Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' (rosy-leaf sage 'Bethellii') — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' 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 involucrata 'Bethellii' 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. Suggested uses include borders, containers and cottage gardens. It is native to Mexico.

About

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' is a clump-forming perennial sage with aromatic, often textured leaves and a summer display of reddish flowers. It grows upright from a compact base and flowers from June to September. Plant in full sun on light loam, sand or chalk with neutral to alkaline pH and sharp drainage, as winter wet is the usual cause of loss. Leaves are mid-green and may be felted to the touch.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia involucrata

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 involucrata 'Bethellii' belongs to the Lamiaceae and originates from Mexico; it is cultivated for its aromatic foliage and late-summer flowering. The cultivar forms a clump of upright stems bearing textured, mildly aromatic leaves and produces reddish blooms through June to September. Give it a sunny, sheltered site facing south or west with sharply drained soil—light loam, sand or chalk suit it best and a neutral to alkaline pH is preferred. Hardiness varies across the species group: shrubby types range from borderline (H3) to hardy (H5), while the hardier herbaceous forms are very hardy to fully hardy (H6–H7). Protect stands from winter wet, which is the usual cause of failure, by ensuring good drainage or planting on a slight rise. Use Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' in mixed borders and containers or within cottage-style plantings where summer colour and scented foliage are wanted. The combination of aromatic, felted leaves and a summer flush of reddish flowers makes it suitable where a south- or west-facing aspect can be provided and soils kept free-draining to preserve the crown over winter.

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 involucrata 'Bethellii' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Suggested uses: Borders, containers, cottage gardens
Native to: Mexico
Fragrance: Mildly aromatic leaves

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

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 involucrata 'Bethellii'?

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 involucrata 'Bethellii'?

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' need?

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' 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 involucrata 'Bethellii'?

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 involucrata 'Bethellii' hardy in the UK?

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' 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 involucrata 'Bethellii'?

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 →