About
A compact, perennial with aromatic grey-green foliage. Upright, purple-black stems hold racemes of violet- purple flowers from summer through to 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in spring. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established
PruningCut back flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in spring, by division in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs, snails and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots