Salvia hierosolymitana (Jerusalem sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia hierosolymitana 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 hierosolymitana 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. It is native to Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and West Bank.

About

Salvia hierosolymitana is a perennial in the mint family that forms upright, clump-forming growth with aromatic, often textured or felted leaves. It prefers full sun and sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soils and flowers in the UK from June to September. Shrubby and herbaceous forms differ in cold tolerance, so choose a site accordingly. Avoid winter wet and give a south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia hierosolymitana

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

Salvia hierosolymitana is a perennial member of the Lamiaceae native to Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Plants present as upright, clump-forming specimens with aromatic, often textured or felted foliage and will produce their flower display in the UK between June and September. Sit Salvia hierosolymitana in full sun on light loam, sand or chalk with a neutral to alkaline pH; sharply drained conditions are essential because winter wet is the usual cause of loss. A south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect will reduce winter exposure. Take account of hardiness: shrubby kinds fall in H3–H5 (borderline to hardy), while the hardier herbaceous types are rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy); USDA zones 5–10 correspond with that wider tolerance range. In the UK it performs best where drainage and warmth can be combined — gravel or chalky beds, dry borders and sunny sheltered walls all suit the species. Plant where its aromatic, felted leaves can be appreciated close to a path or seating area, and avoid positions prone to winter waterlogging because that is the main reason plants fail here.

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 hierosolymitana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Native to: Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia hierosolymitana

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 hierosolymitana?

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 hierosolymitana?

Salvia hierosolymitana prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia hierosolymitana need?

Salvia hierosolymitana 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 hierosolymitana?

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 hierosolymitana hardy in the UK?

Salvia hierosolymitana 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 hierosolymitana?

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 →