About
A dense evergreen, semi-prostrate shrub, with dark green, short, needle-shaped and very aromatic leaves with small, tubular deep blue flowers, in spring and 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Shrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun, see rosmary cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to rosemary beetle, cuckoo spit, sage leafhopper, tortrix moth and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots