Species

Salvia x superbaHybrid Sage

3 other cultivars

perennial

Penny's Smile Salvia

Salvia x superba 'Penny's Smile'

The Story

Plant Bio

A compact and fragrant perennial with striking flower spikes.

Known for its long-lasting blooms and tolerance to drought.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright purple flowers add vibrant color to garden borders and containers.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, suitable for xeriscaping.

Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.

SpeciesSalvia x superbaHybrid Sage

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

Humidity

Prefers dry to moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds lightly into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote root development, typically in 6 weeks.
Plant in a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between watering.
Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season for vigorous growth.
Prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flower spikes.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
Water deeply during dry spells 💧
Prune lightly after blooming to shape the plant
Use organic mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t fertilize late in the season to prevent legginess
Keep away from overly shady spots

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid flower border with striking purple bloomsHerb garden accent with aromatic foliageDrought-tolerant shrub for xeriscaping

Companion Plants

Lavender Coreopsis Salvia nemorosa Echinacea Sedum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Penny's Smile Salvia questions

What zones can Penny's Smile Salvia grow in?

Penny's Smile Salvia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Penny's Smile Salvia deer resistant?

Yes — Penny's Smile Salvia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Penny's Smile Salvia bloom?

Penny's Smile Salvia typically blooms in late spring to summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Penny's Smile Salvia need full sun?

Penny's Smile Salvia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Penny's Smile Salvia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Penny's Smile Salvia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.