About

This dwarf, spreading or prostrate evergreen shrub with aromatic, broadly linear, dark green leaves and dark blue flowers in early 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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Shrubs
HabitMatforming, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 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-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