About
Salvia blepharophylla, the eyelash-leaved sage, is a spreading subshrub with attractive, oval leaves and airy sprays of vivid-scarlet blooms on dark, slender stems from summer to autumn. A rewarding and free-flowering sage for a sunny, well-drained border or heated conservatory.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toMexico
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationNeeds well-drained soil in a sunny position. May survive the winter in a sheltered spot in mild areas but best overwintered in a cold greenhouse. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or softwood or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots