From our perspective, the question of whether we spread is fundamental to our existence. Our primary purpose is to grow, flourish, and ensure the continuation of our lineage. Therefore, yes, many Salvia species do spread, but the method and vigor vary dramatically between our different families. It is not a simple yes or no answer; it is a spectrum of survival strategies we have evolved. Some of us are well-behaved clumpers, content to stay where our roots first took hold, while others are ambitious explorers, seeking new territory by various means. Understanding this inherent drive is the first step to a harmonious garden.
We employ two primary tactics for spreading: through our root systems and through our seeds. For many perennial Salvia varieties, such as Salvia nemorosa or Salvia greggii, we spread modestly by developing a woody crown that gradually expands outward each growing season. We form dense, respectable clumps that increase in girth but rarely become invasive. However, other relatives, like the vibrant Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue', send out underground runners called rhizomes. These rhizomes allow us to pop up new stems a short distance from the mother plant, creating a beautiful colony over time if conditions are ideal.
Our second, and perhaps most prolific, method is through seeding. After our beautiful blooms are pollinated, we invest immense energy into producing countless tiny nutlets. These seeds are designed to travel—by wind, by animal, or by simply dropping to the soil below. A plant like the annual Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage) relies entirely on this method to propagate itself for the next year, while perennial types will also freely sow seeds to expand their presence.
Your garden is our world, and your actions directly influence how we behave within it. To encourage our spread and create a lush, full bed, you can allow our spent flower stalks to remain so we can set and drop seed. You can also divide our rhizomatous roots every few years in spring or fall, replanting the divisions to instantly create more of us. To control our enthusiastic growth, your most effective tool is the deadheading of flowers before we form mature seeds. This redirects our energy back into leaf and root production instead of procreation.
For those of us who spread by rhizomes, you can install root barriers deep into the soil around the planting area to physically block our underground travels. Alternatively, you can simply lift and divide us more frequently, sharing the extras with fellow gardeners. Regular division every 2-3 years not only contains our spread but also revitalizes the original plant, preventing a woody, unproductive center.
Our relationship with you is a partnership. We seek to grow and multiply, and you seek a beautiful, manageable garden. By understanding whether your specific Salvia is a clumper, a runner, or a prolific seeder, you can choose the appropriate level of intervention. Some of us require little to no control and are perfect for low-maintenance borders, while others, though stunning, need vigilant deadheading and root management to keep us in check. Selecting the right Salvia for your desired garden style is the most important control method of all.
