Salvia splendens 'Vanguard'

RHS Plant Profile
scarlet-flowered sage 'Vanguard'
scarlet-flowered sage 'Vanguard' www.gardenworldimages.com
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Annual Biennial

A compact, erect tender perennial, often treated as an annual, to 30cm, with dense spikes of bright red flowers and bracts, from summer to autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil in full sun. Pinch out young growth to encourage bushiness. Water in dry weather. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots