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Conservatory GreenhouseHerbaceous Perennial

Salvia discolor
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Andean silver-leaf sage

S. discolor is an erect perennial to 45cm in height, with ovate green leaves, white-hairy beneath; deep indigo-blue flowers 2.5cm in length with contrasting white-downy calyces

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Black Blue Green
Autumn Black Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Peru

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in loam-less or loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Grow outdoors in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade in a frost-free border. Protect from excessive winter wet. Many species attract bees. Provide good colour

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 9 in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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

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