About
Salvia argentea, the silver sage, is a biennial or short-lived perennial forming a rosette of broadly ovate, silvery-woolly leaves to 20 cm long with erect stems bearing panicles of blush-white flowers in late summer. A beautiful and ornamental sage grown as much for its silver foliage as its flowers.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toMediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade
PruningOften dies after flowering so if you grow it for its foliage, remove flowers before they open
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sage leafhopper, slugs, snails and rosemary beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots