About
A subshrub up to 1m high with evergreen, aromatic, ovate, mid-green leaves, and whorled spikes of flowers which are white nearer the base and with varying amounts of purple nearer the tips, or occasionally all purple or all white, from early summer to autumn; the leaves may be used as a culinary herb.
About the genus
Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun, with shelter from cold drying winds
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs and snails, capsid bug, leafhoppers, and rosemary beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots