About
A herbaceous perennial, up to 1m high, with red stems, aromatic, pale olive-green leaves and abundant, citrus-scented, rich pink flowers with darker pink calyces from midsummer to 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or lightly dappled shade in a warm, sheltered position; apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningNo pruning required, but removing faded flower stems will prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, leafhoppers, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots