Salvia 'Blue Bedder'
Beautiful compact plants with many spikes of rich blue flowers contrasting with soft green foliage.
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There are many different varieties of Salvia (Salvia spp.). These include the popular herb sage, flowering perennials and annuals. The annual and perennial varieties are lovely, compact plants, with many spikes of flowers in a variety of colours. All salvias are fantastic for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
How to grow salvias in a garden
From Seed:
- Sow seeds into trays of Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix. Gently press down and lightly water with a fine mist spray. Keep the soil moist through the germination period.
- While the seeds are germinating, choose a sunny spot in the garden with well-drained soil and dig in some Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food before planting.
- Once the seedlings have grown at least 5 cm, transplant seedlings into your prepared garden bed, ensure the seedlings are well spaced – at least 20-30 cm apart. Water in well.
- Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw.
- Feed regularly with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
Established plants:
- Choose a sunny spot in the garden with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut-shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
- Feed regularly with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
How to salvias grow in a pot
From seed:
- Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
- Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- Sow the seeds directly into the pot by pressing them lightly into the mix and water well.
- Water gently and keep moist through germination period.
- When established, feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
Established plants:
- Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
- Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.
- Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
- Once settled, feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
Growing tips
- Water at the base of the plant to avoid the risk of fungal issues.
- Salvias recover well from a hard prune, which is best done in late winter.
- Cut back after flushes of flowers to encourage new growth.
- Once established, salvias require little water and prefer the warmer dry climates.
- Great bee and butterfly attracting flowers.
- Perennial varieties are available in your local nursery or hardware store.
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Recommended products
Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food
Releases nutrients slowly, improves the structure and moisture retention of the soil and encourages earthworms and beneficial soil micro-organisms.
Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food
Specially formulated to grow all types of flowers. With high potassium for large & abundant flowers, added calcium & iron for stronger flowers.
Yates Premium Potting Mix
A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.
Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food
Provides your flowers & roses with the balanced nutrients they require for healthy growth and flower production.
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