Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' (Sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' 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. Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' 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. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Central Europe and Western Asia.

About

Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' is a clump-forming perennial Salvia in the Lamiaceae with upright flowering stems and extended bloom from June to September. It has aromatic, often textured or felted leaves that may be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen. Plant in full sun on sharply drained light loam, sand or chalk, taking care to avoid winter waterlogging which is the usual cause of loss.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia nemorosa

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 nemorosa 'Superba' belongs to the genus Salvia and originates from central Europe and western Asia. As a clump-forming perennial in the mint family, it produces multiple leafy stems and a long flowering period from June to September, making it a seasonal presence through summer into early autumn. Give this plant a sunny, south- or west-facing site with sharply drained soil; light loam, sand or chalk on a neutral to alkaline pH suits it best. Winter wet is the common cause of failure, so choose a free-draining spot or a raised bed and avoid exposed, waterlogged hollows. A sheltered position helps reduce winter stress and exposure to driving winds. Hardiness can vary by form: shrubby types are commonly H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) while the hardy herbaceous forms fall into H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy); USDA zones 5–10 is a useful additional guide. Use Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' in mixed borders, rock gardens, cottage plantings or as a source of cut flowers. The leaves are mildly aromatic and often textured or felted, releasing a gentle scent when brushed.

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 nemorosa 'Superba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Central Europe, Western Asia
Fragrance: Mildly aromatic leaves

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia nemorosa 'Superba'

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 nemorosa 'Superba'?

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 nemorosa 'Superba'?

Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' need?

Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' 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 nemorosa 'Superba'?

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.

Is Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' hardy in the UK?

Salvia nemorosa 'Superba' 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 nemorosa 'Superba'?

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 →