Salvia 'Amistad' ®

Overview of Salvia 'Amistad'

Salvia 'Amistad' is a striking perennial known for its rich purple, tubular flowers held on near-black stems, combined with dark green aromatic foliage. A hybrid of Salvia guaranitica, it is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and has gained immense popularity due to its long flowering season, lush appearance, and exceptional performance in borders and containers.

Reaching a mature height of 100 to 120 cm with a spread of about 60 to 90 cm, ‘Amistad’ produces flowers from late spring through to the first frosts, offering continuous colour and attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is semi-hardy and best treated as a tender perennial in colder climates.

Sunlight, Temperature & Positioning

• Sunlight Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun, which promotes the strongest growth and flowering.

  • Can tolerate light shade but may become leggy and flower less prolifically.

• Temperature & Hardiness:

  • Hardy in USDA Zones 8–10 (approximately -5°C), but can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder areas.

  • Mulching helps protect roots in milder climates during winter.

• Ideal Location:

  • Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with good air circulation.

  • Suitable for the middle or back of a mixed border due to its height.

  • Performs well in large containers that can be moved to safety during cold snaps.

Soil, Watering & Feeding

• Soil Requirements:

  • Prefers light, fertile, well-drained soil.

  • Dislikes heavy or soggy ground, especially in winter.

  • Amend heavy soil with grit or organic matter to improve drainage.

• Watering Schedule:

  • Keep evenly moist during the growing season, especially in dry weather.

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering in hot conditions.

  • Reduce watering in late autumn and winter.

• Feeding Recommendations:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring.

  • Supplement with liquid feed every 3–4 weeks during peak flowering season for best results.

  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage leafy growth over flowers.

Pruning, Flowering & Seasonal Maintenance

• Pruning Instructions:

  • Lightly trim in midsummer to remove spent flower spikes and stimulate repeat blooming.

  • In spring, once new growth is visible at the base, cut back all dead or woody stems to 10–15 cm above ground level.

  • Avoid cutting back in autumn; the foliage provides winter protection.

• Flowering Characteristics:

  • Flowers from late May or June through to the first frost in autumn.

  • Deadheading can tidy the plant but is not essential for continuous bloom.

• Overwintering Care:

  • In frost-prone areas, lift and store in a frost-free place or grow in containers and move indoors.

  • Alternatively, apply a thick mulch (straw, compost, bark chips) around the base in autumn to protect the roots.

  • Ensure well-drained soil during winter to prevent crown rot.

Propagation, Pests & Companion Planting

• Propagation Techniques:

  • Best propagated from softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.

  • Can also be grown from semi-ripe cuttings taken later in the season.

  • Not generally grown from seed due to hybrid nature (seed may not come true).

• Pest & Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-resistant, though aphids and whitefly may appear in greenhouse or protected settings.

  • Ensure adequate spacing and airflow to reduce the risk of mildew or leaf spot.

  • Avoid wet foliage to minimise fungal issues.

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with rudbeckia, echinacea, gaura, verbena bonariensis, and ornamental grasses.

  • Adds strong vertical colour to borders and contrasts well with silver or grey-leaved plants like artemisia or perovskia.

Design, Display & Container Growing

• Garden Design Use:

  • Adds height and structure to mixed beds and wildlife gardens.

  • Works beautifully in Mediterranean, prairie-style, and informal planting schemes.

• Container Tips:

  • Grow in a large container with good drainage.

  • Use a free-draining peat-free compost mixed with perlite or grit.

  • Elevate containers slightly to prevent waterlogging

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.