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 4.0 — Salvia
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 4.0 — Salvia
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
- Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

- Rosmarinus prostratus

- Salvia 'Black and Blue'

- Salvia 'Ostfriesland'

- Salvia 'Rose Queen'

- Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

- Salvia bicolorSage

- Salvia forskaohleiSage
