About
An upright, bushy clump-forming perennial or subshrub to around 60cm, with aromatic dark grey-green foliage and spikes of violet-blue flowers with lime green bracts appearing in the summer through 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 hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil, in full sun or light dappled shade. Protect from excessive winter wet. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back faded flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots