About
A bushy plant to about 70cm, evergreen if not cut back by frost, with small, lime green, aromatic leaves and spikes of cherry red , tubular flowers with a large lower lip produced over a long period in summer and 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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
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
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and leaf hoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots