About
A bushy, evergreen subshrub with narrow mid-green aromatic leaves which are silvery underneath and sometimes used in autumn annual bedding displays. Has abundant long spikes of densely fuzzy flowers with a white corollas and lavender-purple calyces from late 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens, Patio and container plants, Coastal
Care notes
CultivationWill grow well in soils that are moderately fertile and moist but well-drained preferably in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Once the plant is established it will require less watering. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots