About
This upright perennial grown as an annual, with lance-shaped leaves whitish-hairy beneath, and small deep violet-blue flowers in dense spikes in summer and autumn.
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
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich, soil in full sun or partial shade.See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 16-18°C in mid spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug damage on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots