About
A woody perennial or evergreen shrub with a lax habit, to 90cm tall, with small, triangular to heart-shaped leaves and orange-red flowers, held on spikes up to 40cm long, in summer and 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds; may need protection from excessive winter wet
PruningPruning group 9 in spring
PropagationPropagate by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots