Salvia mexicana var. minor — Bushy

Overview

Salvia mexicana var. minor is a bushy shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Salvia mexicana var. minor grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, coastal, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds.

About

Salvia mexicana var. minor is a bushy, deciduous shrub belonging to the Salvia genus, which includes a diverse range of annuals, perennials, and shrubs known for their aromatic, paired leaves and distinctive two-lipped flowers arranged in whorls. This cultivar thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, favouring sandy or loamy, well-drained soils with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for various garden settings such as city courtyards, cottage gardens, gravel beds, and coastal areas. It flowers in summer and can be propagated from seed or softwood cuttings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Salvia mexicana var. minor size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrub
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia mexicana var. minor

Propagation: Seed sown in spring, Softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Salvia mexicana var. minor?

Salvia mexicana var. minor prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia mexicana var. minor need?

Salvia mexicana var. minor grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

Is Salvia mexicana var. minor hardy in the UK?

Salvia mexicana var. minor has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Salvia mexicana var. minor?

Seed sown in spring, Softwood cuttings in early summer.

More in the Salvia genus

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