About
A half-hardy perennial usually grown as an annual, to 75cm high in flower, with oval-shaped, slightly glossy, toothed green leaves. Upright clusters of bright red flowers are produced from summer well into 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 hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil in full sun. Pinch out young growth to encourage bushiness. May need watering in extended dry spells. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots