About
A small, bushy semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub to around 80cm in height with an open habit and aromatic, mid-green, oval-shaped foliage. Unusual, small, tubular turquoise-blue flowers with white tips appear on upright stems in autumn and winter and provide a much needed nectar source for pollinating insects during the colder months.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Prefers cooler conditions so keep the roots protected during the summer with mulch. Drought tolerant. 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 softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, rosemary beetle and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots