About
A bushy shrub native of southern Spain, has a dense habit with woolly, scented silvery-green linear leaves and intense purple-blue lipped flowers in late winter and early spring.
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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationWill grow well in coastal settings preferably in chalky rocky soil in full sun. Can be trimmed back after flowering if used as an informal hedge.
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceHigh Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots