There are over 900 species of salvias and many of the tender perennial species are popular as annuals in regions where they are not fully winter hardy.

The following common salvias are usually grown as annuals. They may be grown as perennials in southern regions.

• Scarlet or Texas Sage (Salvia coccinea) – Scarlet sage has bright red flowers on 10-inch spikes. It is hardy in Zone 9 and higher.
• Pineapple Sage (S. elegans) – Pineapple sage has bright red edible flowers in late summer and the leaves have a pineapple fragrance.
• Bedding Sage (S. splendens) – The common bloom color is scarlet red but it also comes in purple, orange, lavender, yellow and white. Bedding sage has heart-shaped leaves.

The following salvias are usually grown as perennials.

• Azure Sage (S. azurea var. grandiflora) – Azure sage has aromatic foliage and sky blue flowers in late fall.
• Peruvian Sage (S. discolor) – The leaves of this sage are gray-green on the top and have white undersides. The flowers are dark purple.
• Autumn Sage (S. greggii) – Is drought tolerant and has brilliant colors. It blooms through the summer and into the fall.
• Hybrid Sage (S. x superba) – This group is perfect for colder areas. The plants are 12 to 24 inches tall and bloom in late spring to early summer. If faded blooms are cut back, they will re-bloom through fall. ‘Rose Queen’ has pink flowers.