About
Salvia interrupta, the Atlas mountain sage, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with lime-green, three-lobed, soft, hairy, perfumed leaves. Blue to mauve flowers with a white throat appear in pairs or whorls on tall, grey-green stems from spring through summer, sometimes continuing into autumn if deadheaded. Drought-tolerant once established � a rewarding and ornamental sage for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
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 typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Bushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal
Native toMorocco
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although this variety will tolerate a little shade. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots