About
A frost-tender, bushy shrub with dark green, oval leaves and large, two-lipped pink flowers on tall, upright stems which appear throughout the summer and autumn. Will need protection in winter.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Needs a sheltered position and protection from frost, but usually overwinters if given full sun and good drainage. Drought tolerant. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningPruning group 9 in spring
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots