Overview
Salvia austriaca is a upright, clump-forming perennial herb in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, deciduous foliage. It typically grows 1 metres wide. Salvia austriaca grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers and wildlife gardens. It is native to Austria, Czechia-Slovakia, Hungary, NW. Balkan Pen. and Romania.
About
Salvia austriaca, or Austrian sage, is a native of high altitudes across Russia and eastern Europe. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves 1 m across, which give off a fetid odor when brushed.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia austriaca
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
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Salvia austriaca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Habit
- Upright, clump-forming
- Foliage
- Aromatic, deciduous
- Spread
- 1 metres
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Austria, Czechia-Slovakia, Hungary, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania
- Fragrance
- fetid odor when brushed
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salvia austriaca
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Salvia austriaca?
Salvia austriaca prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Salvia austriaca need?
Salvia austriaca grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Salvia austriaca grow?
Salvia austriaca reaches a spread of 1 metres.
Is Salvia austriaca hardy in the UK?
Salvia austriaca has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Salvia austriaca?
Softwood cuttings, division.
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
