About
A slow-growing, evergreen shrub with aromatic, silvery grey-green fleshy leaves. A good speciment shrub for a pot. Large, unusual rusty reddish-brown claw-shaped flowers appear from July through to September followed by attractive seed heads.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in spring. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Dislikes wet soils. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots