About
A very hardy, bushy shrub with dark green, oval leaves and masses of dark purple flowers on upright stems which appear from early summer through to the end of 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Unlikely to need protection over winter as hardy. Drought tolerant
PruningCut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and glasshouse leafhopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots