Salvia forskaohlei (Sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia forskaohlei is a clump-forming or bushy, upright perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. Salvia forskaohlei grows best in full sun, and tolerates light loam and sand or chalk soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species.

About

Salvia forskaohlei is a perennial member of the sage family that forms upright, clump-forming growth with aromatic, often textured or felted leaves. It prefers full sun and sharply drained soils such as light loam, sand or chalk on neutral to alkaline pH. Plant in a south- or west-facing, sheltered position; winter wet is the usual cause of loss. Flowering occurs from June to September.

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

In the garden

A perennial in the Lamiaceae, Salvia forskaohlei produces upright, clump-forming habit with aromatic foliage that may be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen depending on the clone. The leaves are often textured or felted, giving the plant a tactile presence in sunlit spots. The species sits within the large Salvia genus and behaves like a sun‑loving sage in the border. Choose a sunny site with sharp drainage: light loam, sand or chalk on neutral to alkaline ground suits it best. Position plants on a south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect to reduce exposure to prevailing wet winter conditions, which are the common reason for losses. Shrubby forms carry a UK hardiness rating of H3–H5 (borderline to hardy), while the herbaceous types are rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy); it also aligns with USDA zones 5–10. Good drainage and a sheltered aspect will usually remove the need for heavy winter protection with the hardier herbaceous types. Use Salvia forskaohlei where dry, alkaline pockets are required in a sunny border or on chalky banks. Allow room for upright clumps to develop and avoid waterlogged positions. Expect aromatic, often felted foliage and flowers from June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species

Plant details

Salvia forskaohlei size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia forskaohlei

Cultivation: Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.
Pruning: Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.
Propagation: Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.
Pest resistance: Aromatic foliage deters most pests; capsid bug and leafhopper occasionally cause spotting.
Disease resistance: Robust in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and root rot appear only where the soil stays wet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia forskaohlei?

Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia forskaohlei?

Salvia forskaohlei prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia forskaohlei need?

Salvia forskaohlei grows best in light loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss.

How do I prune Salvia forskaohlei?

Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.

Is Salvia forskaohlei hardy in the UK?

Salvia forskaohlei has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia forskaohlei?

Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →