White Flower Farm
Salvia x sylvestris 'Rose Queen'
Best perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly color in sunny borders.
Salvia x sylvestris 'Rose Queen' produces spires of rosy pink flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators, making it an excellent addition to the sunny border edge. This robust perennial forms compact mounds of medium green foliage, typically reaching about 2 feet tall. It thrives in full sun and requires good drainage, especially in colder zones. The long-lasting blooms appear from late spring into fall, offering dependable color even through hot summers. For best growth and to encourage rebloom, cut the plant back hard after the initial flowering period.
$16.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Common Name
Sage
/ Sage
Who it's for
- Conservationists looking to support local pollinators and garden biodiversity
- Gardeners seeking long-lasting floral displays throughout the warmer months
- Busy homeowners wanting resilient plants that resist common garden pests
Who should skip it
- Minimalists wanting strictly contained plants that do not spread
- Low-effort gardeners who prefer a hands-off approach to maintenance
- Shade-garden owners lacking sufficient direct sunlight for healthy growth
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A magnet for hummingbirds and bees throughout the growing season.
Heat Tolerance
Maintains vibrant color even during the peak of summer heat.
Deer Resistance
Reliably ignored by local wildlife, protecting your garden investment.
Bloom Duration
Extended flowering window provides consistent color from spring through autumn.
Maintenance Ease
Requires a hard prune to encourage repeat blooms after flowering.
Growth Habit
Compact, bushy structure fits perfectly into tight border spaces.
Key Specs
Common Name
Sage
Hardiness Zone
4-10
Exposure
Sun
Blooms In
May-Aug
Mature Height
15-24 inches
Spacing
12-18 inches
Ships as
BAREROOT
Deer Resistance
Yes
Features
- Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators
- Robust and bushy growth habit forming compact mounds
- Long-lasting blooms extend color from late spring into fall
- Tolerates hot and dry summers well
- Deer resistant
- Genus belongs to the Mint family, often having square stems
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the 'Rose Queen' plants upon arrival, noting their robust health and vigorous root systems. The primary sentiment revolves around reliability; gardeners find this Salvia variety establishes quickly and delivers stunning, long lasting color throughout the season, often exceeding expectations for bloom density. While some mention the premium price point, the plant's dependable performance and ease of care solidify its reputation as a worthwhile garden investment.
Know before you buy
To encourage a second flush of flowers, cut the plant back hard once the initial late-spring bloom begins to fade. This maintenance helps the plant maintain its compact shape and promotes fresh growth for late-season color.
Yes, 'Rose Queen' needs well-draining soil to perform its best. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with organic matter or planting in a raised bed to prevent water from sitting around the roots, especially during colder months.
Yes, this variety is generally avoided by deer due to the aromatic nature of its foliage, which is characteristic of the Mint family. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, it is a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.
Upon arrival, soak the roots briefly in water and plant them in a sunny spot with the crown just at or slightly below the soil surface. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper airflow as the mounds mature.
Absolutely. The nectar-rich, rosy pink spires are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent functional choice for a pollinator-friendly border.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17