About
Salvia microphylla, the baby sage, is an evergreen shrub with light-green, aromatic, ovate leaves and deep-red flowers in terminal racemes in late summer and autumn. One of the most popular and free-flowering of all the garden sages � a rewarding plant for a sunny, well-drained border or container.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds; may need protection from excessive winter wet
PruningPruning group 9, cut back spent flowers to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, capsid bug, leafhoppers and rosemary beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots