About
A tall perennial with a running rootstock, forming a wide clump of stems bearing ovate leaves and loose spikes of dark blue flowers 4cm long, each set in black calyx, and opening in late summer and 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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in full sun, in well-drained soil with shelter from cold winds. Maintain low humidity for plants overwintered indoors in a greenhouse. Under glass grow in well-drained , peat-free potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division of established clumps. Take softwood and semi-ripe stem-tip cuttings from new non-flowering growth. Take basal stem cuttings from new shoots that are about 8cm (3in) tall
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to capsid bugs and leafhoppers and slugs and snails on young growth. Under glass aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly may be a problem
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots