Best perennial vs annual salvias

The salvia genus (*Salvia*) contains over 900 species, which is part of why it's so confusing in garden centers. The annual blue salvia in the 6-pack is not the same plant as the perennial meadow sage along the border, and neither is the same as the tender 'Black and Blue' salvia grown as an annual.

The salvia genus (Salvia) contains over 900 species, which is part of why it's so confusing in garden centers. The annual blue salvia in the 6-pack is not the same plant as the perennial meadow sage along the border, and neither is the same as the tender 'Black and Blue' salvia grown as an annual in zone 6 but perennial in zone 8. The zone and species information on the tag matters more for salvias than almost any other common garden plant.

I don't grow salvia at my Long Island house. The deer browse it occasionally though less aggressively than hostas or roses. This guide draws on Extension trial data and Missouri Botanical Garden records.

This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases - at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally tested or that are the universal first recommendation from university Extension publications. See our full disclosure.

Hardy perennial salvias (zones 4—8)

Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' ('Mainacht')

Zones: 4—8 Height: 18—24 in Flower color: Deep indigo-violet Bloom time: May—June (reblooms if cut back) AAS winner: 1997

Per Missouri Botanical Garden, 'May Night' is the standard hardy perennial salvia for American gardens. The deep indigo spikes in late May are outstanding. Per Penn State Extension, cutting back the spent spikes by one-third after the first flush promotes a second bloom in late summer. Full sun and well-drained soil are the primary requirements. Exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'

Zones: 4—8 Height: 20—24 in Flower color: Violet-blue flowers on dark purple-black stems Bloom time: May—July (reblooms)

Per Missouri Botanical Garden, 'Caradonna' is distinguished from 'May Night' primarily by the dark purple-black stems, which create a more dramatic appearance and photograph distinctively. Per NC State Extension, it is equally drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. One of the best choices for a dry, sunny border in zones 4—7.

Salvia × sylvestris 'Blue Hill' ('Blauhügel')

Zones: 4—8 Height: 18—24 in Flower color: Clear medium blue (lighter than 'May Night') Bloom time: June—July

Per Missouri Botanical Garden, S. × sylvestris hybrids extend the perennial salvia color range toward true blue. 'Blue Hill' is the clearest blue in the class. Per NC State Extension, the reblooming habit is slightly less reliable than 'May Night' but the color is distinctive.

Salvia nemorosa 'New Dimension Blue'

Zones: 4—8 Height: 12—14 in (compact; good for front-of-border) Flower color: Medium blue Bloom time: Summer; blooms first year from seed AAS winner: 2015

Per Penn State Extension, 'New Dimension Blue' is one of the best compact salvias for front-of-border use. It blooms reliably from seed in the first season and performs as a short-lived perennial in zones 4—7.