About
A subshrub up to 75cm high with evergreen, aromatic, ovate, mid-green leaves, and flowers which are about 1.5cm across, the upper lips dark pink, the lower lips pale pink tinged with cream, from summer to autumn; the leaves may be used as a culinary herb.
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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to capsid bug, leafhoppers, slugs and snails, and rosemary beetle but generally pest free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots