Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Ballerina Pink Salvia: Soft Pink Spires with Dusky Mauve Shading
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Ballerina Pink salvia is the gentle one in the salvia family. Its large hooded florets, about ¾ inch long and bigger than those on many garden salvias, open soft pale pink, each set in a dark mauve-pink calyx on purple-tinted stems. Up close it looks refined; from a distance each spike reads as a subtle two-tone spire. The plant stays compact, 18 to 20 inches tall, over a base of broad, crinkled mid-green leaves.
Ballerina Pink at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Salvia 'Ballerina Pink' |
| Flowers | Large soft pink florets in dark mauve-pink calyxes |
| Foliage | Mid-green, broad, crinkled basal leaves |
| Size | 18 to 20 inches tall, 16 to 18 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks mid-June, some repeat after shearing |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | Excellent for pollinators; deer and rabbits ignore it |
A soft partner for lavender
Not every lavender bed wants strong contrast. Ballerina Pink pairs pink and mauve, colors that blend with lavender's purple instead of fighting it, so the planting looks soft and romantic, like a cottage garden rather than a fireworks show. Its airy, widely spaced florets also contrast in texture with lavender's tight, narrow spikes.
It blooms in early to mid-June, just ahead of or alongside early English lavenders, and shares their love of sun and good drainage. Plant it among lavender in a cottage border, along the front of a bed or in a container with a potted lavender. Leave air space around each lavender crown. Try combinations in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Soil: average to fertile, but always well drained. Wet, heavy winter soil is the main cause of loss.
- Water: regular water until established, then it handles dry spells.
- After bloom: cut spent spikes back to the basal leaves to tidy the plant and encourage a few more flowers.
- Air flow: in muggy, crowded spots, mildew may show up after the first flush. Shearing and spacing help.
- Winter: leave stems standing or cut back in fall, then clean up as new leaves appear in spring.
For pastel bouquets
Ballerina Pink rates well as a cut flower. Cut spikes when the lower florets are open. Pale pink salvia, fresh lavender and a few white blooms make a soft pastel bouquet for a shower, a brunch table or a bedside. The Cut Flower Planner can help you plan a cutting row.
The plug tray
Ballerina Pink is offered as a 72-cell plug tray, useful for cottage borders, mass plantings and growers potting up their own stock. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ballerina Pink a culinary sage?
No. It is an ornamental perennial salvia, not grown for cooking.
How long does it bloom?
Its main bloom is in early to mid-June, with a few more flowers after you cut it back.
Is it hardy in Michigan?
Yes, it is rated for zones 3 to 8 and reliable in well-drained soil.
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