Salvias are available in a huge range of sizes, colors, foliage, and hardiness, with over 900 species and hundreds of hybrids. Salvia's popularity stems from how easy they are to grow, their multiple medicinal and culinary uses, and the vibrancy of their blooms that cover every color in the spectrum from white to nearly black. The Plant Lover's Guide to Salvias features everything you need to know to grow this vibrant and fragrant plant. Plant profiles of 150 varieties highlight each plant's type, habitat, size, hardiness, origin, cultivation, and use in the landscape. Additional information includes tips on design, how to grow and propagate salvia, where to view them in public gardens, and where to buy them.
John Whittlesey is a nurseryman, garden designer and landscape contractor.
"Whittlesey reveals the diversity of this genus – a few can even take woodland shade."
– The New York Times
"This title will do much to help new gardeners get a sense of [salvias] breadth and diversity [...] very attractive, showing that it is possible to produce stylish books that will also be the best sources for hard information on their subjects for years to come."
– Gardens Illustrated
"Visual and informational candy for people who are passionate about plants."
– Akron Beacon Journal
"A book that belongs in the library of all who are interested in this fascinating genus."
– The Plantsman
"A visual treat and quick reference."
– Los Altos Town Crier
"Offers expert guidance."
– California Bountiful
"The images throughout are superb [...] this book is a good horticultural selection of some of the more recently cultivated salvias."
– The Garden
"All four are attractively designed, accessible, with excellent photography and clear typography. The authors clearly know their stuff, and write well [...] these books serve as a wide view into narrow subjects in an engaging and attractive way."
– Transatlantic Gardener
"The Plant Lover's Guide to Salvias by John Whittlesey not only is a lavishly photographed, well-organized resource about the Salvia genus but also a lovely coffee table book that may inspire anyone who opens its pages to spend time in the garden."
– Flowers by the Sea