About
This bushy evergreen shrub, 60-90cm high, with mid to deep-green, aromatic leaves. Salmon-pink flowers are borne in profusion, in terminal racemes, over a long period from early 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered position, with full sun. Drought resistant and attractive to pollinating insects, best overwintered under glass in frost free conditions in full light using a well-drained potting compost. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningPruning group 9 in spring, deadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf damage by leafhoppers, slugs and snails or rosemary beetle. Under glass may be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots