About
A compact, vigorous, upright perennial to around 90cm in height, usually grown as an annual, with oval-shaped, aromatic dark green leaves and dense spikes of tubular-shaped, pale violet-blue flowers over a long period in 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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots