About
Salvia roemeriana, the dwarf crimson-flowered sage, is a compact perennial to 60 cm � sometimes grown as an annual � with rounded or heart-shaped leaves and purplish stems bearing whorls of scarlet, two-lipped flowers 2�3 cm long from midsummer to late autumn. A rewarding and long-flowering 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toMexico, USA (Texas)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Best in full sun in a sheltered position but can tolerate light partial shade. Or grow in a container under glass
PruningRemove flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots