About
A bushy, evergreen shrub to 75cm high with aromatic, glossy, deep-green leaves. Large, rich glowing-red flowers with purple-black calyces and stems, appear over a long period from late spring to 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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light. moderately fertile well-drained soil. Needs a sheltered position but usually overwinters if given full sun and good drainage. Drought tolerant
PruningPruning group 9, cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, rosemary beetle and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots