Salvia amplexicaulis

Synonyms

Salvia villicaulis

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A tall, upright herbaceous perennial to around 90cm in height, with very aromatic, bright grey-green, wrinkled foliage. Spikes of violet-blue flowers appear from June through to August

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
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, 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
Plant Range
SE Europe to NW Turkey

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in spring, by division in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Remove flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering. Cut back faded foliage and flowers in spring as new growth appears at ground level

Pests

Generally pest-free but 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