Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' (Sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' is a clump-forming or bushy, upright perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' grows best in full sun, and tolerates light loam and sand or chalk soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, containers and and as a low hedge or edging plant..

About

Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' is a perennial Salvia that forms compact, upright clumps with aromatic, textured foliage. It prefers full sun on sharply drained light loam, sand or chalk and tolerates neutral to alkaline soils. Plant in a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot to avoid winter wet, which is the usual cause of loss. Flowering runs from June to September.

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

In the garden

A member of the sage family (Lamiaceae) and the genus Salvia, Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' is a clump-forming perennial valued for its textured, mildly aromatic leaves and upright habit. It suits situations where sun and good drainage combine, and its flowering period is June to September. Give the plant full sun and a sharply drained soil such as light loam, sand or chalk; neutral to alkaline pH is acceptable. Sit it on a south- or west-facing aspect in a sheltered position to reduce the risk of winter wet, which is the common cause of loss. Hardiness within the Salvia group varies: shrubby types fall in the UK H3–H5 range (borderline to hardy), while the hardier herbaceous species sit at H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy); USDA zones 5–10 are indicated for this group. Use Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' in perennial borders, rock gardens and containers, or as a low hedge or edging plant where its upright clumps can form a clear edge. The leaves are mildly aromatic and often textured or felted, which complements its role at the front of a border. Flowering takes place from June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species

Plant details

Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers, and as a low hedge or edging plant.
Fragrance: Mildly aromatic leaves with a subtle scent.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo'

Cultivation: Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.
Pruning: Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.
Propagation: Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.
Pest resistance: Aromatic foliage deters most pests; capsid bug and leafhopper occasionally cause spotting.
Disease resistance: Robust in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and root rot appear only where the soil stays wet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo'?

Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo'?

Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' need?

Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' grows best in light loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss.

How do I prune Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo'?

Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.

Is Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' hardy in the UK?

Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia × sylvestris 'Indigo'?

Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →