About
This bushy, upright perennial plant to 1.2m with aromatic, slightly downy, corrugated, lime green slender leaves that have pointed ends. Profuse, large deep purple tubular flowers with black calyces are borne from early summer through to the first frosts.
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 hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Needs a sheltered position but usually overwinters if given full sun and good drainage. Drought tolerant. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningRemove flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer and semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, rosemary beetle and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots