About
Salvia involucrata, the rosy-leaf sage, is a tall, woody-based perennial to 1.5 m with heart-shaped, long-stalked leaves to 10 cm. Tubular, two-lipped, purplish-pink flowers 5 cm long with conspicuous pink bracts appear in late summer and autumn. A bold and rewarding sage for a sunny, sheltered 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 moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots