Salvia blepharophylla

RHS Plant Profile
eyelash-leaved sage
eyelash-leaved sage RHS
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A spreading sub-shrub with attractive, oval leaves and airy sprays of vivid scarlet blooms, on dark, slender stems

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Correct
Plant Range
Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Needs well-drained soil in a sunny position. May survive the winter in a sheltered spot in mild areas but best overwintered in a cold greenhouse. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or softwood or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Pruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

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