Salvia splendens ‘Estella Coral’ | Estella Coral Sage | Innovative Bushy Salvia

Salvia splendens ‘Estella Coral’ is a breakthrough in seed-grown salvias, offering an entirely new plant habit compared to traditional splendens types. This impressive variety is larger, bushier, and strongly branched, making it ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens, landscaping projects, and generous patio containers where structure and vigour are essential.

Its new, unique coral-rose flower colour and lush, bushy growth create a striking presence in the garden. ‘Estella Coral’ produces large, showy flower spikes that bloom continuously from early summer into autumn, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the season.

A significant advantage: the Estella series flowers up to two weeks earlier than standard splendens varieties, offering a longer display period and improved garden performance. When grown in full sun and well-drained soil, this salvia rewards gardeners with abundant colour, excellent branching, and reliable heat tolerance.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Salvia splendens ‘Estella Coral’
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Type: Annual (Half-hardy)
• Height: 40–50 cm
• Spread: 40–60 cm
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained; sandy or loamy; neutral, alkaline, or acidic
• Flowering: June – October
• Use: Bedding • Borders • Containers • Pollinator gardens
• Special features: Early flowering, vigorous branching, pollinator-friendly

Why Grow ‘Estella Coral’?

• Innovative growth habit: bushy, vigorous, highly branched
• Exceptional flower performance with large coral-rose spikes
• Flowers 1–2 weeks earlier than standard salvia splendens
• Blooms continuously all season long
• Attracts bees, butterflies & beneficial pollinators
• Ideal for large planters, cottage gardens, wildlife areas & landscaping
• Heat-tolerant and easy to grow

How to Sow

Sow Indoors

• Surface sow on moist seed compost; keep shaded for 48 hours
• Lightly cover the seeds afterwards
• Temperature: 21–24°C
• Keep moist but avoid overwatering
• Germination: 10–14 days

Transplant seedlings into 8–10 cm pots once large enough to handle. Grow on in bright light at approx. 22°C.

Planting Out

• After frost risk has passed (May)
• Space 40–60 cm apart
• For containers: use 22 cm pot per plant
• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Growing Tips

• Regular watering encourages continuous blooming
• Monthly feeding improves colour and branching
• Deadhead to extend the flowering season
• Allow seed heads to fully dry if saving seeds
• Thrives in warm, sunny conditions

Perfect For

• Wildlife-friendly gardens
• Landscaping & mass plantings
• Patio and balcony containers
• Summer bedding displays
• Long-lasting colour borders