About
A bushy, evergreen sub-shrub or woody-based perennial, to 60cm tall, with small, aromatic leaves and spikes of widely spaced, deep red-purple flowers from summer to late 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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Needs a sheltered position, but usually overwinters if given full sun and good drainage. Drought tolerant
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sage leafhopper, slugs, snails and rosemary beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots