SALVIA
SALVIA
Commonly known as Sage
In the mint family. Very large genus of about 900 species of annuals, biennials, herbaceous and evergreen perennials and shrubs distributed generally in temperate and tropical regions.
They are frequently aromatic, hairy or woolly and many species attract bees. Some have medicinal and culinary qualities.
Clary (clear-eye) sage, S. verbenaca and S. pratensis are the UK natives. Seeds of the former, from dry pastures and roadsides in southern England, were made in to a mucilage and used to soothe eye irritation, roots were ground as snuff and leaves used as a herb with lemon or orange juice. The latter, meadow clary, has a status of Vulnerable and Near Threatened because of the manufacture of "improved grassland". It is found on calcareous grassland in southern England.
Less hardy varieties can be grown in containers.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
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Pests & Diseases
Slugs, snails, -
Place of origin
China (Yunnan Province) -
Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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DeciduousOvate, scalloped, prominently veined, wrinkled, mostly basal leaves to 12cm (5in) long
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Purple
Shades of purple/mauve/lilac/violet -
Yellow
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TubularTo 3cm (1¼in) long
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BorderSuits a sunny border
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Frost hardy (down to -5)
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Height
40-90cm (16-36in) -
Spread
60cm (24in)
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Herbaceous
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Pruning group 6
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs or climbers that need little to no pruning.
Action: Trim back shoots that spoil symmetry and to fit available space.
When: Annually after flowering if on previous year's growth, or in later Winter or Spring if flowering on current year's growth, or as requires.
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Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter
Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F) -
Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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Medium to light, fertile, well drained soilModerately fertile. Humus-rich.
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Full sun
Shelter from cold, drying winds. -
Partial shade
Light, dappled shade -
Bee friendly
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Mature Size40-90cm (16-36in)
60cm (24in)
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