Salvia 'Amistad'
Best vibrant bloomer for attracting pollinators.
Salvia 'Amistad' is a striking hybrid salvia discovered in Argentina and popularized in England before reaching US shores. This floriferous plant forms a substantial clump, growing up to 3.5 feet tall and spreading up to 7 feet wide in a single season. It boasts masses of dark purple flowers, each set against a lovely black calyx, blooming prolifically from June through frost. It is a hummingbird magnet and a beautiful addition to any garden, offering continuous color and attracting beneficial pollinators. While not winter-hardy in colder zones, its stunning display makes it worth replacing annually.
$22.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3269
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-20%
Below average
Zones
810
/ a to b
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking long-lasting, consistent floral beauty throughout the seasons.
- Wildlife enthusiasts and eco-conscious individuals supporting local biodiversity.
- Busy gardeners desiring resilient, easy-care plants with dramatic visual impact.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in colder regions expecting perennial performance without extra effort.
- Homeowners with compact gardens or limited planting space.
- Gardeners with predominantly shady garden areas.
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
A premier choice for drawing hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
Bloom Duration
Provides consistent, vibrant color from early summer until the first frost.
Growth Vigor
Rapidly fills garden space with a substantial, eye-catching architectural presence.
Environmental Resilience
Handles deer pressure and dry spells with impressive, low-maintenance ease.
Winter Hardiness
Limited to warmer climates, requiring annual replacement in colder regions.
Versatility
Adapts beautifully to both container arrangements and expansive landscape massing.
Key Specs
Zones
8a to 10b
Height
42" tall
Culture
Sun
Origin
Hybrid
Pot Size
3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Flower Color
Black, Multicolor, Purple/Lavender
Leaf Color
Green
Bloom Time
Fall, Summer
Features
- Abundant dark purple flowers with black calyx
- Blooms from June through frost
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Deer and drought tolerant
- Forms a large clump quickly
- Suitable for containers and mass planting
What customers say
Customers consistently praise Salvia 'Amistad' for its exceptional vigor and continuous bloom, making it a reliable garden performer. Many highlight its robust growth and ability to thrive in various conditions, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Its consistent flowering throughout the season provides sustained beauty and enjoyment, underscoring its high quality and dependable nature in the landscape. Gardeners appreciate its ease of establishment and long lasting display.
Know before you buy
This is a vigorous grower that can reach up to 3.5 feet in height and spread as wide as 7 feet by the end of the season. Given its rapid growth, ensure you provide enough space for it to fill out without crowding neighboring plants.
Salvia 'Amistad' is only winter-hardy in zones 8a through 10b. If you live in a colder climate, it will not survive the winter outdoors and should be treated as an annual.
Once established, 'Amistad' is quite drought-tolerant. However, for the best bloom production and to support its rapid growth, it appreciates consistent moisture during the peak heat of summer.
Yes, it is a proven hummingbird magnet. The combination of its deep purple tubular flowers and long blooming season makes it a reliable food source for hummingbirds and various butterflies throughout the summer and fall.
Absolutely. Because of its height and dramatic color, it works exceptionally well as a 'thriller' in large containers. Just be sure to use a pot with good drainage and keep up with regular watering.
For the most prolific flowering, 'Amistad' requires a full sun location. While it may survive in partial shade, you will likely see fewer blooms and a less compact growth habit.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$22