About
A variety of the western mountain ash from the Pacific Northwest of North America, forming a large, deciduous shrub with pinnate leaves of paired, glossy leaflets and flat-topped clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by bright orange-red berries in autumn. A handsome and hardy native for a large garden.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots or by overwintering tubers in damp peat substitute. Propagate by rooting basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots