About
Salvia candelabrum, the candelabra sage, is a woody-based perennial to 1 m of erect habit with lance-shaped or oblong leaves and whorls of violet-blue, two-lipped flowers 4 cm long forming a branched, candelabra-like inflorescence. A bold and ornamental sage for a sunny, well-drained border.
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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
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
Native toSpain
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Good on chalky soil but can die overwinter if grown on heavy soils. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningRemove flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots