Salvia bulleyana (Sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia bulleyana is a clump-forming or bushy, upright perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. Salvia bulleyana grows best in full sun, and tolerates light loam and sand or chalk soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species. It is native to Yunnan province and China.

About

Salvia bulleyana is a clump-forming perennial with aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. It produces purple-blue flowers and grows upright from a few-branched stems. Best positioned in full sun on sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soils. Avoid winter wet, which is the usual cause of loss.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia bulleyana

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

In the garden

Salvia bulleyana is a perennial Salvia native to Yunnan province in China, forming upright clumps on a few-branched stems with ovate leaves that are often textured or felted. It flowers in the UK from June to September, producing purple-blue blooms and also offers aromatic foliage outside the main season. Plant in full sun on light loam, sand or chalk with a neutral to alkaline pH; the species needs sharply drained soil and a sheltered, south- or west-facing aspect to reduce the risk of winter wet. Shrubby selections carry a UK hardiness range of H3–H5 (borderline to hardy), while the hardier herbaceous types sit at H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy). It is also rated around USDA zones 5–10. Use Salvia bulleyana where its summer flower display and aromatic leaves can be appreciated: sunny, well-drained gravel or chalk areas and warm sheltered borders are appropriate. Take care to avoid waterlogged winter soils, since prolonged damp is the common reason plants fail. Its felted, aromatic leaves continue to provide texture and scent after flowering has finished.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species

Plant details

Salvia bulleyana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Native to: Yunnan province, China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia bulleyana

Cultivation: Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.
Pruning: Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.
Propagation: Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.
Pest resistance: Aromatic foliage deters most pests; capsid bug and leafhopper occasionally cause spotting.
Disease resistance: Robust in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and root rot appear only where the soil stays wet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia bulleyana?

Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia bulleyana?

Salvia bulleyana prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia bulleyana need?

Salvia bulleyana grows best in light loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss.

How do I prune Salvia bulleyana?

Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.

Is Salvia bulleyana hardy in the UK?

Salvia bulleyana has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia bulleyana?

Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →