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Herbaceous Perennial

Salvia tomentosa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

balsamic sage

A clump-forming perennial, to around 1m high in flower, forming a mound of oval-shaped, slightly grey-green leaves. Long spikes of lilac pink, purple or sometimes white flowers are produced from late spring to late summer

Synonyms
Salvia grandiflora Etl.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Purple White Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Purple White Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sunny spot in fertile, well-drained soil that is not too acidic

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back flower spikes to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and foot and root rots

Get involved

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