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Salvia × mendizabalii (Ro)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A bushy shrub native of southern Spain, has a dense habit with woolly, fragrant silvery-green linear leaves and intense purple-blue lipped flowers in late winter and early spring.

Synonyms
Rosmarinus × mendizabalii

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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
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Grey Silver
Summer Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Purple Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
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

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow well in coastal settings preferably in chalky rocky soil in full sun. Can be trimmed back after flowering if used as an informal hedge.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Pruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

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