About

A bushy, upright perennial with grey-green leaves and, in summer and autumn, erect stems bearing densespikes of hooded, pink flowers with purple calyces and bracts.

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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

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

Care notes

CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade
PruningCut back flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots