About
A deciduous, compact subshrub 50-70cm tall, with dissected, grey-green aromatic foliage, and long, silvery spikes holding clusters of very small misty lavender-blue flowers in summer.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationWill grow well in soils that are moderately fertile and moist but well-drained preferably in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Once the plant is established it will require less watering.
PruningPruning group 6, cut back hard in early spring
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots