The New Book of Salvias

Sages for Every Garden

Drawings by Carol D. Barner

Salvia is derived from the Latin word salvare, "to heal," and for centuries salvias have been valued for their medicinal and culinary qualities. Salvias, commonly known as sages, grow throughout temperate and subtropical parts of the world, from sea level to altitudes of more than 11,000 feet (3400 meters). They occur in many forms: perennial, biennial, annual herbs, and evergreen or deciduous shrubs. These amazingly varied plants are also noteworthy for their remarkable resistance to pests and diseases, their drought tolerance–and their beautiful flowers. The New Book of Salvias: Sages for Every Garden is now available in paperback.

Betsy documents approximately 150 beautiful, garden-worthy species alphabetically, and includes botanical descriptions, information on habit, blooming cycle, recommended companion plants, and delightful historical tidbits of discovery and usage. In her ardent pursuit of salvias, Clebsch has explored the wild to collect plants and seeds to test in her California garden. The resulting wealth of cultural information in The New Book of Salvias ensures that our gardens will not only be exquisitely aromatic but also wonderfully picturesque.

Media reviews of this book:

"Betsy (Clebsch) has continued her research and documentation of this endlessly fascinating group of plants. The result is The New Book of Salvias — and a superior book it is ... but it is her engrossing story of each salvia that will inspire the reader to add just a few more to the garden."

—Pacific Horticulture, Fall 2003

"In The New Book of Salvias, Betsy Clebsch, a noted amateur botanist and horticulturist who gardens in northern California, displays once again her experience with and extensive knowledge of this useful and diverse genus ... the author's expertise in growing salvias shines through."

—Judy Mielke, American Gardener, September/October 2003

"With the addition of more than 50 new species and nearly 100 new photographs and illustrations, this book surpasses Clebsch's first on salvias."

—Garden Design, September 2003

"It's impossible to do justice to these impressive plants in a short article. If you're really into salvias, read The New Book of Salvias by Betsy Clebsch."

—John Van de Water, Newark Star-Ledger, August 21, 2003

"Clebsch is the Salvia Queen ... If you love salvias, this is the book for you."

—Mary Ann Gwinn, Seattle Times, April 9, 2003

Customer reviews of this book:

"The best book that summarizes history and type of salvias — a great reference book!"

—Lillian H. from Greenbrae, California, June 27, 2007

"Just what I have been looking for!"

—Henry P. from Houston, Texas, June 23, 2007

"Excellent guidance and personal reference."

—Anonymous from Walnut Creek, California, May 11, 2007

"This book has become indispensable to me. There is simply nothing else available like it. Thank you!"

—Max P. from Sacramento, California, April 15, 2007

"Simply the best book I've seen about sages!"

—Robert K. from Dallas, Texas, June 30, 2006

Read more media and customer reviews