About
A long-flowering perennial usually grown as an annual, with oval-shaped, aromatic dark green leaves and dense spikes of tubular-shaped, bright red flowers over a long period in summer and autumn. A great choice for pots and containers.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFoliage
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 faded flower spikes after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots