About
A bushy, upright, tender perennial with mid-green aromatic arrowhead shaped leaves. From mid-summer to autumn, large azure-blue flowers bloom in succession on thin stems above the foliage. Requires winter protection.
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 typeSand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in free draining moderately fertile soil in full-sun. Prefers a sheltered position. Provide winter protection. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring. Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in mid-to late summer.
Pest resistanceMaybe susceptible to leafhopper, slugs and snails.
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots