About
A woody-based perennial to 75cm tall, with small, narrowly-oblong, aromatic leaves and 30cm spikes of smooth, deep purple-blue flowers, each up to 2.5cm long, in 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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in peat-free, potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Grow outdoors in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade in a frost-free border. Protect from excessive winter wet. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back faded flower spikes to tidy and 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