About

A compact herbaceous perennial, 25cm high, with many stems, ovate, mid-green leaves, and dense racemes of blue-violet flowers from early summer to late 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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, light, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer; propagation for resale is prohibited without a licence
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots