About
A compact, erect, deciduous sub-shrub, with white stems, to 60cm in height. It bears aromatic, deeply-divided, grey-green leaves and open, upright panicles of small violet-blue flowers in late summer to early 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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in poor but well-drained soils in full sun. Fertile soil and/or planting in shade will promote "eggy" growth in need of support or staking
PruningPruning group 6, cut back hard in early spring
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or 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