About
A tender, erect perennial which is treated as an annual, with ovate leaves and dark red stems bearing inflorescences to 25cm in length, with spaced whorls of scarlet flowers from purple calyces, in late 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
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil in full sun. Pinch out young growth to encourage bushiness. Water in dry weather. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug damage on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots