About
An upright, clump-forming deciduous hardy perennial with dark green, oval, incised, aromatic leaves and large spikes of lavender-blue flowers which appear from early to late summer then produce another flush of flowers in the 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although this variety will tolerate a little shade. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice This plant was included in the RHS hardy Salvia trial 2022-2024
PruningCut back flower spikes to prolong flowering period
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots