Salvia 'Ribambelle'

RHS Plant Profile
sage 'Ribambelle'

Other common names

baby sage 'Ribambelle'

Synonyms

Salvia microphylla 'Ribambelle'

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs

A bushy evergreen shrub, 60-90cm high, with mid to deep-green, aromatic leaves. Salmon-pink flowers are borne in profusion, in terminal racemes, over a long period from early summer to autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 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
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered position, with full sun. Drought resistant and attractive to pollinating insects, best overwintered under glass in frost free conditions in full light using a well-drained potting compost. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Pruning group 9 in spring, deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf damage by leafhoppers, slugs and snails or rosemary beetle. Under glass may be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

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