About
A highly aromatic, low, spreading, evergreen shrub to about 15cm high and a metre or more across, with vivid green, very narrow, needle-like foliage. Small, bright blue flowers are produced in spring and often again autumn.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Shrubs
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 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
CultivationPrefers poor, well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. See rosemary cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 9 but no regular pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood 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