About

This bushy sub-shrub with small, ovate leaves and spike-like terminal racemes of two-lipped, bright purplish-pink flowers 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, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden
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 resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots