About
Salvia confertiflora, the Sabra spike sage, is a tender, woody-based perennial to 1.2 m with scalloped, yellow-green, strongly scented leaves to 20 cm long. Slender spikes of small, scarlet-orange flowers with deep-red calyces are produced in late summer and autumn. A dramatic and ornamental sage for a sunny, warm 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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Sub-tropical, Wildlife gardens
Native toBrazil
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in well-drained, peat-free potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun; can be moved outdoors during the summer months. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly; outdoors may be attacked by slugs and snails, capsid bug, rosemary beetle and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots