About
Small, pale blue flowers with darker markings are produced in spring. A bushy, aromatic, evergreen shrub with dark green, needle-like leaves, silvery-grey underneath. Branching well from the base it initially forms a dome shape then arches over to become semi-prostrate.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFoliage
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationThrives in poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Good for containers. See rosemary cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
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