About
A bushy, spreading, evergreen perennial to about 45cm with aromatic, textured leaves, and tubular, red-orange flowers with purple-flushed calyces in spikes on thin, upright stems from mid-summer to mid-autumn. The whole plant, including the flowers, is softly hairy.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 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, Coastal
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. In frost-free areas in winter, protect from excessive wet, while in frost-prone areas move plants under cover, or take cuttings to provide next year's plants. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningCut back faded flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots