Silver Sage (Salvia argentea): Grown for Foliage, Not Flowers

Silver sage (Salvia argentea) is a showstopper for its foliage alone: huge, fuzzy, silver leaves with scalloped edges that beg to be touched. Often sold as a short-lived perennial or biennial, it puts so much energy into its 2-foot flower spike that many gardeners remove it to prolong the plant's life.

Why Grow It?

• Spectacular silver foliage clump to 3 feet wide
• Brightens shady spots, contrasts beautifully with dark-leaved plants
• Irresistible tactile appeal—like lamb's ear but larger and more dramatic
• Deer-resistant, somewhat drought-tolerant

Design Ideas

Pair with purple sweet potato vine, ornamental peppers, 'Summer Wine' ninebark, 'Black Lace' elderberry, or in containers with dark phormium or cordyline for high-contrast drama.

Growing Tips

• Zones: 5–8; full sun (afternoon shade in Deep South)
• Soil: Rich, slightly moist, well-drained
• Flowers: White, sage-like, early summer on 2-ft stalk—remove stalk at emergence to extend plant life
• Pests: Slugs and pillbugs—keep base clean, use iron phosphate bait
• Propagation: Seeds (start early spring in peat or direct sow) or careful division once side shoots appear

The author's original plant succumbed to transplanting, a leg-lifting collie, and slugs—but she's already replaced it, vowing better care. This plant deserves it.

Photo credits (Dave's Garden): Happenstance (top right), Theresa (left).