About
Was raised in Australia. Bold reddish-purple flowers with dark burgundy calyces are held in large terminal racemes over a long period – typically early summer to late autumn. It is a perennial plant with an upright habit, tough stems to 80cm tall and small, aromatic, mid to intense green leaves.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationIn mild counties grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered position with full sun. Drought tolerant. In colder areas grow in containers and place outside in summer, overwinter under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningPruning group 9 in spring, deadhead 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 slugs and snail attack on young growth and leafhoppers and rosemary beetle damage
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots