About
A bushy sub-shrub with aromatic, ovate leaves and two-lipped crimson flowers 2.5cm in length, in racemes to 10cm in length, in late summer and 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade
PruningPruning group 9, cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sage leafhopper, slugs, snails and rosemary beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots