About
From early summer to late autumn it produces an abundance of upward-facing, two-lipped flowers held by a dark-green calyx. An upright, bushy, evergreen sub-shrub or woody-based perennial with aromatic, small, rounded, mid-green leaves. The smaller upper petals are pink-purple and the large lower petals are cream-white.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Rock garden
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained or well-drained soil, preferably in full-sun. Tolerant of poor drier soils once established.
PruningPruning group 9, cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationTake softwood cuttings and softwood basal cuttings from spring to midsummer. Take semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers, slugs and snails,
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots