About
A woody-based perennial with ovate, hairy leaves and dense terminal spikes of tubular purplish-red flowers opening from pink bracts in summer and 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile well drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade with shelter from cold, drying winds. Protect with a dry winter mulch. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationSoftwood cuttings at any time of year as long as suitable growth is available. Divide established clumps in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage by rosemary beetle, slugs and snails, capsid bug and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots