About
A tuberous-rooted herbaceous perennial to 75cm in height, with large, oval, pale green leaves and slender spikes of light blue, two-lipped flowers 2.5cm across.
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
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun, shelter from cold winds. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sage leafhopper, slugs, snails and rosemary beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots