Sensational SALVIAS
Woman's Weekly Living Series|October 2021
From early summer to late autumn, shrubby salvias will sparkle like jewels
NICOLA STOCKEN
Sensational SALVIAS

As summer drifts towards autumn and the sun sinks ever lower, it backlights and beautifies all flowers, but one group in particular sparkle with an intensity that sets them apart. These are shrubby salvias: tidy little bushes that are lavishly adorned with a myriad of tiny, gem-like flowers in shades of amethyst, garnet, topaz or opal. Starting in early summer, the flowers shine radiantly through summer hazes and autumn mists, until subdued by a dusting of frost.

Originating largely from Mexico and southernmost states of the US, today’s shrubby salvias fuse the untamed beauty of a wildflower with the skill of modern breeders who are producing hybrids in a huge range of colours and forms.

‘I love growing salvias, and there are few other plants that flower almost non-stop from May until November – you can even find some flowering on Christmas Day,’ enthuses William Dyson, a salvia specialist who breeds captivating new cultivars for which his nursery, Dyson’s Nurseries, is well-known.

Many are displayed throughout Great Comp Garden in Kent – William is the garden’s curator. ‘Once I discovered shrubby salvias, I became hooked, and since then, I’ve sought out as many forms as possible,’ he explains.

His love affair with salvias began in the early 1990s, after plant-hunters returned from Mexico with many exciting, hitherto unknown cultivars.

‘I acquired some seeds and planted them in dry, free-draining greensand where, to my surprise, they not only flourished, but also happily survived our winters,’ he says. ‘However, had they keeled over and died, it might have been a quite different story.’

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S WEEKLY LIVING SERIESView all
Coping With...Feeling Dizzy
Woman's Weekly Living Series

Coping With...Feeling Dizzy

Dizziness is a common symptom that usually settles on its own and is rarely serious, says Dr Gill Jenkins

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2021
Let's Get Gardening
Woman's Weekly Living Series

Let's Get Gardening

All the news and best buys hand-picked for you

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2021
8 Cancer Signs You Might Be Missing
Woman's Weekly Living Series

8 Cancer Signs You Might Be Missing

A lump, unexplained pain or weight loss are changes we associate with cancer, but there are more subtle ones

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2021
Recipes For Your Fruit
Woman's Weekly Living Series

Recipes For Your Fruit

Plums are such wonderfully diverse ingredients – they can be used in cakes, chutneys or even savoury dishes

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2021
The garden at NIGHT
Woman's Weekly Living Series

The garden at NIGHT

If you’re in the dark about the lighting in your garden, now’s the chance to let it truly sparkle

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2021
TOP 10 Autumn hips and berries
Woman's Weekly Living Series

TOP 10 Autumn hips and berries

Hips and berries can elevate the October garden with their gem-like colours

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2021
Perfect PLUMS
Woman's Weekly Living Series

Perfect PLUMS

RHS Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter shares his how-to on perfecting plum growing

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2021
Tall STORIES
Woman's Weekly Living Series

Tall STORIES

Trees can bring structure, shade and fabulous colour to a garden, particularly through the autumn

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2021
ACE ACERS
Woman's Weekly Living Series

ACE ACERS

With so many stunning varieties to choose from, acers are among the most beautiful trees for small gardens, says Adrienne Wild

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2021
Sensational SALVIAS
Woman's Weekly Living Series

Sensational SALVIAS

From early summer to late autumn, shrubby salvias will sparkle like jewels

time-read
9 mins  |
October 2021