About
A woody-based herbaceous perennial up to 60cm high with evergreen, aromatic, ovate, mid-green leaves and dark pink 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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but 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.
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 resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to capsid bug, leafhoppers, slugs and snails; under glass, may be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, and whiteflies
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots