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

Overview

Salvia microphylla var. neurepia 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 var. neurepia 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 var. neurepia is a clump-forming, upright perennial noted for its aromatic, slightly spicy foliage. It reaches about 1.2 m and bears flowers from June to September. Leaves may be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen and are often textured or felted. It prefers full sun on sharply drained light loam, sand or chalk in a sheltered, south- or west-facing position.

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

Native to Mexico, Salvia microphylla var. neurepia is a member of the Lamiaceae with small, aromatic leaves and an upright, clump-forming habit that reaches roughly 1.2 m. The foliage gives a faintly spicy scent when handled and the plant reliably flowers from June to September. Many plants in this group establish quickly and form neat clumps in suitable sites. Plant in full sun on light soils such as loam, sand or chalk and aim for a neutral to alkaline pH. Sharp drainage is essential: prolonged winter wet is the common reason these salvias fail, so choose a raised, free-draining bed or a sunny slope if your garden tends to hold moisture. A sheltered aspect, ideally south- or west-facing, reduces winter exposure and benefits the less hardy shrub forms. Hardiness varies within the species: the shrubby forms are rated H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) and may need protection in cooler or exposed locations, while the hardier herbaceous types are H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy). USDA zones 5–10 correspond with its wider cold-tolerance range. Use it where summer sun and sharp drainage can be provided, such as sunny borders, gravel banks or chalky soils. Avoid winter-wet positions, as prolonged damp is the usual cause of loss.

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 var. neurepia 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: aromatic, slightly spicy

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia microphylla var. neurepia

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 var. neurepia?

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 var. neurepia?

Salvia microphylla var. neurepia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia microphylla var. neurepia need?

Salvia microphylla var. neurepia 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 var. neurepia?

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 var. neurepia grow?

Salvia microphylla var. neurepia reaches a height of 1.2 m.

Is Salvia microphylla var. neurepia hardy in the UK?

Salvia microphylla var. neurepia 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 var. neurepia?

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

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