About
A bushy shrub from southern Spain, exclusively endemic to Granada, is an endangered species commonly named white rosemary. It grows mainly on seaside limestone cliffs and has a dense habit with woolly, silvery-green linear leaves, and violet-blue lipped flowers with a brown upper lip, flowering in late winter and early spring.
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
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationWill grow well in coastal settings preferably in chalky rocky soil in full sun. It benefits from the salt spray from the sea.
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceHigh Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots