Monty Don's favourite salvias – and how to grow them in your garden
Monty Don loves salvias and uses them in his Jewel Garden as the real showstopper in the late summer display. Here's how you can recreate the look

By Sarah Wilson
We're always keeping an eye on Monty Don's Insta for garden inspiration, and this week a stunning pic of the towering purple spikes of salvia 'Amistad' popped up and stopped us in our tracks. This beauty has been the star of the late summer show in Monty's garden for years and we can see the attraction. They are a winner on all counts: long flowering, not fussy and easy to grow in either a pot or the border.
It's also a cinch taking cuttings from them, which means you can multiply your plants fast. They need minimal TLC so are a good choice if you like a plant that’s self-sufficient. They will even thrive in quite poor soils so there’s no need to add any feed. They can play a central role in a drought-friendly garden as they don’t need a lot of watering and this makes them a good choice for containers too.
Choose the sunniest spot in the garden if you want your salvias to romp away and reach their full potential. Pruning is easy too. When they start to look tired at the end of the flowering season simply cut the plant right down so it can regenerate over winter then pop up again come spring.
So in addition to 'Amistad', what are some other good choices of salvia to go for? See our round-up of the best below, then check out our guide to growing ornamental grasses for more ways to add colour to your garden over the autumn and winter months.
1. Salvia 'Amistad'
Salvia ‘Amistad’ in the Jewel Garden. Monty Don
A photo posted by @themontydon on Sep 19, 2020 at 1:33am PDT
'Amistad' grows trouble-free in most soils as long as it gets a little bit of sun. The stunning deep purple flowers last from June until November and the petals are just the silkiest. This variety can grow over a metre high if it's happy where it is. If your garden is sheltered mulch it thickly and leave it where it is for winter. If not, dig it up and transfer to a container until next spring. Not sure how to mulch? You can find out everything you need to know in our ultimate guide to mulching.
2. Salvia patens 'Cambridge Blue'
Salvia 'Cambridge Blue'
If you want a true blue salvia, according to Monty you should opt for 'Cambridge Blue'. The slender spikes have prolific pale blue flowers. This variety forms tuberous toots like dahlias and these can be lifted out and stored in leaf mould or vermiculite over winter so they don't dry out.
3. Salvia guaranitica 'Amante'
Salvia guaranitica Amante
Long-flowering with velvety deep pink petals tightly packed along stems rising up from sage-scented foliage if you brush against it – what's not to like. Plant it where you can most enjoy the fragrance. This variety acts like a magnet for butterflies and bees too, and prefers well drained soil in sun or part shade. Discover other great plants for pollinators in our guide to bee-friendly plants.
4. Salvia 'Clotted Cream'
Salvia 'Clotted Cream'
If you like white themed gardens you’ll love this pale and creamy variety of salvia with its pretty scented foliage. It’s a highlight from early summer to late autumn, and bees love slipping inside the wide-mouthed blooms. An elegant variety, the tall spires of flowers make a great addition to any garden.
5. Salvia sylvestris ‘Rose Queen’
Salvia 'Rose Queen'
With tall spikes of densely packed vivid deep pink petals from July to September, this variety of salvia is an exquisite combination of colour and scented foliage, while also adding height to your planting scheme. It's a good choice if your garden is on the small side as it stays compact, only growing to around 60cm tall.
Read more:
- Easy ways to add autumn colour to your garden
- How to plant tulips for guaranteed spring blooms
- The best plants for winter pots
-
-
Best wooden garden furniture 2021: classic patio seating
Buying Guide The best wooden garden furniture; from teak to acacia, benches to patios sets, we've rounded up the best wooden outdoor furniture
By Sarah Warwick •
-
Try this solution for rust in hollyhocks – without overloading the garden with chemicals
Plants Rust in hollyhocks is almost inevitable, but you may be able to minimize the impact without strong chemical treatments
By Anna Cottrell •
-
The best garden parasols 2021: top patio umbrellas for shade
Buying Guide The best garden parasols for some welcome shade, from the best cantilever garden parasol to stylish patio umbrellas
By Sarah Warwick •
-
Best gas grills 2021: from Weber, Char-Broil, Napoleon and more
Buying Guide Our roundup of the best gas grills for outdoor chefs this summer, with travel and premium grills, and options for under $500
By Millie Fender •
-
Gardening expert reveals tip for growing herbs and it costs nothing
Will you be giving this gardening trick a go for spring?
By Millie Hurst •
-
Here's why you need a rain garden this winter
Gardens Rain gardens look great and are exactly what you need this wet winter. Here's why...
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How to make a garden feel modern: 11 on-trend tips to refresh your plot's planting, layout and style
How To If you're wondering how to make a garden feel modern, we've got all the tips you need to know – from outdoor fireplaces and minimalistic features to creative canopies
By Holly Crossley •
-
These are the biggest pruning mistakes you're making, according to a gardening expert
How To Are you pruning your plants correctly? Improve your technique by avoiding these errors, says a gardening expert
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How much does decking cost? What to budget for when elevating your seating area
Landscaping How much does decking cost? If you're ready to take your garden up a notch, you'll definitely want to know. Read on to find out
By Holly Crossley •
-
The most poisonous plants for dogs: the flowers and shrubs to watch out for in your garden
Plants Are you wondering what the most poisonous plants for dogs are? We've got the info you need to help keep your four-legged friend safe
By Holly Crossley •