Salvia microphylla (baby sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia microphylla is a clump-forming or bushy, upright perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Salvia microphylla grows best in full sun, and tolerates light loam and sand or chalk soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species. It is native to Mexico.

About

Salvia microphylla is a perennial sage from Mexico prized for its mildly aromatic, often textured foliage. It forms clumps of upright, multi-stemmed growth to about 1.2 m. Leaves may be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen according to the form. It flowers from June to September.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia microphylla

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

In the garden

Salvia microphylla is a perennial in the mint family native to Mexico, grown principally for its scented, textured leaves and summer flowering. Plants develop as clump-forming, upright shrubs or subshrubs, reaching around 1.2 m. Foliage varies by form — some retain leaves through winter while others drop them — and the foliage emits a mild aroma when handled. Choose a warm, sheltered spot in full sun on a south- or west-facing aspect. Soils should be light and sharply drained: light loam, sandy or chalky ground suits Salvia microphylla and neutral to alkaline pH is preferred. Avoid winter waterlogging, which is the usual cause of losses. Shrubby cultivars are rated H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) in UK terms, while the more herbaceous types sit at H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy); corresponding USDA zones are 5–10. In the UK it suits sunny, sheltered borders and well-drained banks or chalky beds where soils run freely. Use forms that match your winter conditions — semi-evergreen and evergreen types give more winter presence where conditions permit. Expect flowers from June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species

Plant details

Salvia microphylla size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Height: 1.2 m
Native to: Mexico
Fragrance: mildly aromatic

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia microphylla

Cultivation: Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.
Pruning: Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.
Propagation: Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.
Pest resistance: Aromatic foliage deters most pests; capsid bug and leafhopper occasionally cause spotting.
Disease resistance: Robust in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and root rot appear only where the soil stays wet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia microphylla?

Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia microphylla?

Salvia microphylla prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia microphylla need?

Salvia microphylla grows best in light loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss.

How do I prune Salvia microphylla?

Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.

How big does Salvia microphylla grow?

Salvia microphylla reaches a height of 1.2 m.

Is Salvia microphylla hardy in the UK?

Salvia microphylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia microphylla?

Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →