Discover how to grow and care for Salvia ‘Amistad’ (Friendship Sage) with my 10-year gardening guide. Learn about propagation, pruning, winter care, and more!
Hi, I’m Anna Scott from USA Garden Hub, and I’ve spent over a decade experimenting with perennials like Salvia ‘Amistad’. This vibrant plant, with its striking purple-blue blooms and aromatic foliage, quickly became a star in my garden. But I’ll admit—my first attempt to grow it ended with a frostbitten disaster! Today, I’ll share everything I’ve learned to help you master this showstopper.
What Is Salvia ‘Amistad’ (Friendship Sage)?
Salvia ‘Amistad’, often called Friendship Sage, is a hybrid perennial known for:
- Deep purple-blue tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Long blooming season (late spring to first frost in warmer zones).
- Height: 3–4 feet tall, perfect for back borders or container focal points.
I first planted Amistad in 2018 after spotting it at a local nursery. Its non-stop blooms and low maintenance won me over—even my finicky catnip-loving bees couldn’t resist it!
Pro Tip: Pair it with orange coneflowers for a pollinator magnet garden.
Salvia ‘Amistad’ Care Guide
1. Light & Soil Requirements
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily). In hotter zones (9–10), afternoon shade prevents wilting.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. I mix compost with my clay-heavy soil for better drainage.
2. Watering
- Water deeply 1–2 times weekly. Let soil dry between waterings—overwatering causes root rot.
- During my 2020 drought, I used drip irrigation to keep my Amistad thriving.
3. Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas—they reduce blooms.
Need more gardening tips? Check out my soil preparation guide.
How to Propagate Salvia ‘Amistad’
You can grow Amistad from seeds, cuttings, or division. Here’s what worked best for me:
Propagation via Cuttings (My Go-To Method)
- In late spring, snip 4–6″ healthy stems below a leaf node.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in potting mix, cover with a plastic bag for humidity, and place in indirect light.
- Roots develop in 3–4 weeks. Transplant outdoors after frost risk passes.
Note: Seeds are rare—most Amistad plants are sterile. Buy plug plants from reputable sellers like Sarah Raven.
Pruning Salvia ‘Amistad’
When to Prune:
- Spring: Cut back dead stems to 6″ above ground after last frost (I do this in April here in Zone 7b).
- Summer: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Mistake to Avoid: Pruning too late in fall exposes new growth to frost. I learned this the hard way in 2019!
Winter Care & Hardiness
Is Salvia ‘Amistad’ Hardy?
- Zones: 8–10 (evergreen). In Zones 7 and below, mulch heavily or grow in pots.
- My Zone 7b plants survive winters when I layer 3″ of straw mulch over the roots.
Potted Care:
- Move containers to a sheltered spot (like a garage) during freezes.
Where to Buy Salvia ‘Amistad’
Trusted Sources:
- Local Nurseries: Ask for Salvia guaranitica ‘Amistad’.
- Online: Plant Delights Nursery (US-wide shipping).
Warning: Avoid sellers offering “Salvia Amistad seeds”—most are scams.
Common Problems (And How I Fixed Them)
- Yellow Leaves:
- Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
- Fix: Add perlite to soil and reduce watering.
- No Blooms:
- Cause: Too much shade or nitrogen-heavy fertilizer.
- Fix: Relocate to sunnier spot and switch to a bloom-boosting feed.
- Pests:
- Aphids: Spray with diluted neem oil.
Why Salvia ‘Amistad’ Earned Its Name
The name “Friendship Sage” isn’t just marketing! This plant:
- Shares Well: Divide and gift cuttings to fellow gardeners.
- Supports Ecosystems: Its nectar feeds bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
FAQs
Q: Can Salvia ‘Amistad’ grow in pots?
A: Absolutely! Use a 12–14″ pot with drainage holes. I’ve grown it successfully on my apartment balcony.
Q: Is Salvia ‘Amistad’ toxic to pets?
A: According to the ASPCA, salvias are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Q: How tall does Salvia ‘Amistad’ grow?
A: Typically 3–4 feet tall. Prune tips in early summer to encourage bushiness.
Final Thoughts
Salvia ‘Amistad’ is a gardener’s dream—low maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and endlessly rewarding. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned green thumb, this plant deserves a spot in your garden.
Got Questions? Drop them below or explore my guide to winterizing perennials. Happy gardening!
About Anna Scott: A gardening enthusiast for over 10 years, Anna specializes in pollinator-friendly landscapes and sustainable practices. Follow her on USA Garden Hub for weekly growing tips!