About
This tuberous perennial attaining 1.3m tall, with ovate or triangular leaves to 8cm long, and loose racemes of slightly nodding, gaping, deep blue flowers 8cm long in late summer and autumn.
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
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open sunny situation in well-drained soil; mulch to help tubers overwinter or lift and store as for dahlia cultivation
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails, capsid bug, rosemary beetle and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots