About

This compact, clump-forming perennial, to 40cm tall, with aromatic, dark green, wrinkled leaves. Dense, erect spikes of intense pale sky-blue flowers appear in from April through until October.

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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
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, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in spring. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established This plant was included in the RHS hardy Salvia trial 2022-2024
PruningDeadhead flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots