About
Salvia przewalskii, the red sage, is a tuberous-rooted perennial to 60 cm with triangular, white-hairy-beneath leaves and branched stems bearing two-lipped, purple to reddish flowers 3�4 cm long from early summer to early autumn. A rewarding and ornamental sage for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toTibet to C China
FragranceFoliage
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 flower spikes after they have faded
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer and by 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