About
A frost-tender, woody-based perennial to 75cm tall with small, aromatic, mid green leaves. Tubular, soft-pink flowers with darker pink streaks are borne in open racemes on dark stems over a long period- usually from early summer to late 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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or lightly dappled shade in a warm, sheltered position; protect from frosts by overwintering under glass or treat as an annual. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, leafhoppers, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots