Overview

Salvia is a bushy shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Salvia grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, coastal, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds.

About

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Salvia

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0Salvia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Salvia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrub
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia

Propagation
Seed sown in spring, Softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Salvia?

Salvia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia need?

Salvia grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

Is Salvia hardy in the UK?

Salvia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Salvia?

Seed sown in spring, Softwood cuttings in early summer.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia