About
A sturdy perennial usually grown as an annual, with oval-shaped, aromatic green leaves and dense spikes of dark buds opening to tubular-shaped, crimson-red flowers over a long period in summer and autumn. A red-flowered selection.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil in full sun. Pinch out young growth to encourage bushiness. Water in dry weather
PruningCut back faded flower spikes after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in spring, by division in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots