Salvia haenkei

RHS Plant Profile
prawn sage
Herbaceous Perennial

A vigorous perennial with aromatic olive-green leaves and erect spikes of bright red, prawn-shaped flowers which appear from July through until August

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

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 Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in spring. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and leafhoppers

Diseases

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