Salvia spathacea
pitcher sage
S. spathacea is a vigorous spreading perennial with rugose, arrow-shaped leaves white-hairy beneath, and stout stems bearing long purplish-red flowers in maroon calyces, with large maroon bracts under each whorl
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
- W & SW California
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Remove flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.