Salvia Phoenix blue

RHS Plant Profile

sage 'Skylark'

Synonyms

Salvia Phoenix blue

Herbaceous Perennial

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A large, upright perennial, usually grown as an annual, to around 120cm in height, with oval-shaped, vigorous, aromatic fresh green leaves. Candelabra-like spikes of airy, branched flower stems holding tubular, dark purple-blue flowers appear from summer through to the autumn, followed by attractive flower and seed heads. Would suit larger gardens

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

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, Clump forming
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: Synonym

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil, in full sun or light dappled shade. Protect from excessive winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring, by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn

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
Wall side borders

Pruning

pruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering. Flowers and seedheads may be left to provide interest over winter

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

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