Salvia multicaulis (many-stemmed sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia multicaulis 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 0.3 m tall. Salvia multicaulis 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 Turkey.

About

Salvia multicaulis is a perennial many-stemmed Salvia that forms low clumps to about 0.3 m with aromatic, often textured or felted leaves. It flowers from June to September and is valued for its scented foliage as much as its summer blooms. Plants prefer full sun on sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soils such as light loam, sand or chalk. Give it a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot to avoid winter wet, which is the usual cause of loss.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia multicaulis

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

Salvia multicaulis is a perennial sage native to Turkey, producing low, clump-forming growth with aromatic foliage that can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen depending on the plant. Its summer flowering runs from June to September, but the leaves are a principal feature outside the bloom period. Plant on a full-sun site with a south or west aspect and good shelter from cold winds. It suits light loam, sandy or chalky soils that are neutral to alkaline; sharp drainage is essential because winter wet commonly kills specimens. Shrubby selections fall into UK hardiness bands H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) while the hardier herbaceous types sit at H6–H7 (very to fully hardy), so choose stock appropriate to your microclimate and site. In a UK garden, Salvia multicaulis works well as a low edging or front-of-border plant where dry, free-draining conditions prevail. It also fits gravel beds or sunny banks on alkaline soils. Expect a compact 0.3 m clump of aromatic foliage that remains a sensory feature beyond the flowering months.

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 multicaulis 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: 0.3 m
Native to: Turkey
Fragrance: Foliage

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia multicaulis

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 multicaulis?

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 multicaulis?

Salvia multicaulis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia multicaulis need?

Salvia multicaulis 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 multicaulis?

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 multicaulis grow?

Salvia multicaulis reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Salvia multicaulis hardy in the UK?

Salvia multicaulis 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 multicaulis?

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

Browse all Salvia →