About
A woody-based perennial to 1.5m tall with large, prominently veined, greyish-green, heart-shaped leaves. Spikes of blue flowers with protruding white stamens and lime-green calyces are produced from summer to 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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds; in frost-free areas in winter, protect from excessive wet, while in frost-prone areas protect plants with biodegradable fleece, move plants under cover, or take cuttings to provide next year's plants. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots