Overview
Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' is a clump-forming, bushy, upright shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, various foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and containers.
About
Salvia microphylla, synonyms including Salvia grahamii, Salvia lemmonii and Salvia neurepia; the baby sage, Graham's sage, or blackcurrant sage, is an evergreen shrub found in the wild in southeastern Arizona and the mountains of eastern, western, and southern Mexico. It is a very complex species which easily hybridizes, resulting in numerous hybrids and cultivars brought into horticulture since the 1990s.
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
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 microphylla 'Belle de Loire' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Bushy, Upright
- Foliage
- Aromatic, Various
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire'
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire'?
Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' need?
Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' grow?
Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' hardy in the UK?
Salvia microphylla 'Belle de Loire' 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 microphylla 'Belle de Loire'?
Seed, Softwood cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Salvia genus
- Perovskia 'Blue Spire'
- Rosmarinus prostratus
- Salvia 'Black and Blue'
- Salvia 'Ostfriesland'
- Salvia 'Rose Queen'
- Salvia 'Royal Bumble'
- Salvia bicolorSage
- Salvia blepharophyllaeyelash-leaved sage
