Overview
Salvia somalensis is a bushy shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Salvia somalensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, coastal, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Salvia somalensis is a perennial shrub endemic to a limited range and elevation in Somalia. It grows at elevations from 4,000 feet (1,200 m) to 7,000 feet (2,100 m), typically in forest clearings or edges as a common or dominant subshrub.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Salvia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Salvia somalensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salvia somalensis
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring, Softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Salvia somalensis?
Salvia somalensis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Salvia somalensis need?
Salvia somalensis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Salvia somalensis hardy in the UK?
Salvia somalensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Salvia somalensis?
Seed sown in spring, Softwood cuttings in early summer.
More in the Salvia genus
- Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

- Rosmarinus prostratus

- Salvia 'Allen Chickering'sage 'Allen Chickering'

- Salvia 'Black and Blue'

- Salvia 'Ostfriesland'

- Salvia 'Rose Queen'

- Salvia 'Royal Bumble'

- Salvia aethiopis
