There’s a stillness in the moment, just as the sun lifts above the rooftops and a soft, warm breeze drifts across the border, when swaying Salvia catches the light. You can reach out and touch that instance in peace.
It conjures the elegant formality of Sissinghurst’s white garden, or the warm, dry hush of Val Joanis in Provence, where Salvias ripple like silk in the golden heat. Their daubed spikes evoke a summer soul — timeless, fragrant, and sun-drenched — the kind that lingers in memory and forms the backdrop of epic novels.
At this time of year, Salvia steps into its prime, a plant that combines elegance and toughness with an unrivalled generosity of bloom. Whether you’re cultivating a classic English border in Highgate or sun-drenched pots in a Muswell Hill courtyard, Salvias offer a long-lasting, graceful presence that looks after itself and gives back far more than it asks.
Throughout June, Boma showcases an extraordinary collection of Salvias, curated with love and horticultural nous by the team, chosen to thrive in London gardens, from Hampstead villas to Dartmouth Park balconies. These aren’t just plants; they’re the keystones of a summer display with heart.
Why Salvia Works in the City
There’s a reason why seasoned gardeners reach for Salvia when planting for impact. These perennials are drought-tolerant once established, thrive in full sun, and come in an extraordinary array of colours — from sultry violet and electric blue to soft pastels and crisp whites. The foliage is fragrant, often grey-green or deep green, and helps to deter pests like slugs and deer.
In city gardens, where space is often at a premium, Salvias bring bold verticality without bulk. They dance in the breeze, attracting bees, butterflies, and admiring glances from neighbours. All they ask for is decent drainage, plenty of sun, and an occasional trim to keep the blooms budding well into autumn.
Whether you’re the kind of gardener who deadheads with precision or prefers a more laissez-faire approach, Salvia rewards you with a steady stream of colour and presence.
Salvia Stars You’ll Find at Boma This June
The team at Boma (led by Ben’s eye for display and colour, Sean’s sense of structure and what works in London gardens) have selected this year’s Salvia stars not just for looks, but for real garden performance:
- Salvia Caradonna – With its dark purple stems and upright violet-blue flowers, this is a firm favourite for architectural structure and rich colour contrast.
- Salvia Pink Inspiration – Soft, romantic, and effortlessly elegant. Perfect for mixing with silvers, grasses, and pale pink roses.
- Salvia Sensation White – Fresh and clean, this bright white variety sparkles when backlit, especially effective in terracotta or zinc planters.
- Salvia East Friesland Ostfriesland – These reliable performers are compact, consistent, and adored by bees. A great choice for smaller beds and stylish balcony boxes.
- Salvia Azure Snow – A standout with its bi-colour blue and white blooms, adding a cool tone and intriguing texture to warm summer planting schemes.
Each variety is grown for performance in real gardens — not just for garden centre displays — and Boma’s buyers curate specimens from specialist growers to ensure quality and sustainability in London homes. Whether you’re a long-time customer or first-time visitor, you’ll find Salvias on display that are healthy, hard-working, and ready to plant.
Landscaping with Salvia
You don’t need a grand estate or sweeping border to make Salvias sing. In fact, some of the most compelling designs we’ve seen come from container plantings on Hampstead gardens or tiered patios in Belsize Park.
Pair Salvia Caradonna with airy grasses like Stipa tenuissima or Festuca glauca for movement and contrast. Nestle Pink Inspiration between Nepeta, Erigeron, or Verbena rigida for a soft, layered effect. Or frame a doorway with pots of Amistad, underscored by trailing Helichrysum or vibrant Petunias for a Mediterranean feel.
In borders, Salvias make great punctuation plants — guiding the eye and adding rhythm without bulk. They also make a strong foil for roses, clipped Buxus, and the silvery leaves of Artemisia or Senecio.
Salvia Care Tips from the Team
- Sean always says Salvias are “the plant that forgives” — and it’s true. But give them just a little care, and they’ll reward you tenfold:
- Sunshine is non-negotiable – Salvias adore it. Plant them in the sunniest spot you have.
- Avoid soggy soil – Good drainage is key. Mix in horticultural grit or plant on a slight mound if you’re dealing with heavy soil.
- Deadhead regularly – Snip spent flower stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage more blooms.
- Cut back once or twice a season – Early spring or late autumn pruning helps shape and refresh the plant.
Ben often reminds customers that not all Salvias are equally hardy. At Boma, the team is always on hand to help with advice tailored to your garden.
Let Summer Begin in Blissful Bloom
There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a Salvia in full flower — its blooms catching the light, its fragrance mingling with the warmth of the day. For many of Boma’s regulars, June is the month when the garden really begins, and Salvia is its herald.
Whether you’re revamping a tired planter, transforming a border, or simply falling for a new shade, let the team at Boma help you find your perfect match. Pop in for a chat — Kim might tempt you with a fresh plant combo, and Charlotte always has ideas up her sleeve.
Visit Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town this June and explore our unforgettable summer displays — with special offers on dazzling Salvias. Explore breathtaking bedding plants and garden perennials. Let your garden tell its own summer story.
