Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink Black | Green | ||
Autumn | Pink Black | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
Accepted
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. Usually needs some support (see staking perennials)
Propagation
Propagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes 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.