About
This woody-based, herbaceous perennial, up to 1.3m high, with aromatic, ovate green leaves and tall spikes of indigo-blue flowers from summer to 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 moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but very well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds; in frost-free areas in winter, protect from excessive wet, while in frost-prone areas protect plants with biodegradable fleece, move plants under cover, or take cuttings to provide next year's plants - if kept in a heated greenhouse overwinter it will remain evergreen. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to capsid bug, leafhoppers, slugs and snails; under glass, may be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and Verticillium wilt; under glass, may be susceptible to foot and root rots