About
An annual sage, grown primarily not for its insignificant flower, but for the colourful bracts borne on upright stems in summer. These modified leaves are blue, pink or white. Seeds of cultivars are available in single colours or blends.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toMediterranean
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationEnjoys a free-draining, sunny site. May need support in windy spots
PruningCut back faded flowers to encourage fresh flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring, either directly or in modules for planting out. Likely to self-seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots