Salvia candelabrum
Mexican sage bush
A woody-based perennial with upright stems and attractive grey-green, lance-shaped leaves.
In summer, branching flower spikes carry whorls of violet-blue blooms, each with a distinctive two-lipped shape and a prominent purple-blue lower petal. Their rich colour stands out beautifully against the muted foliage, making this Spanish salvia a good choice for a sheltered, sunny spot in a gravel garden or well-drained border.
Salvia candelabrum grows to around 1m (3ft) tall and needs free-draining soil, particularly through winter, with protection against cold, wet conditions.
In summer, branching flower spikes carry whorls of violet-blue blooms, each with a distinctive two-lipped shape and a prominent purple-blue lower petal. Their rich colour stands out beautifully against the muted foliage, making this Spanish salvia a good choice for a sheltered, sunny spot in a gravel garden or well-drained border.
Salvia candelabrum grows to around 1m (3ft) tall and needs free-draining soil, particularly through winter, with protection against cold, wet conditions.
How to care for Salvia candelabrum:
When planting, improve drainage by incorporating compost and adding horticultural grit or sand to heavier soils. Space plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and water thoroughly.
Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted bark or gravel in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid manure-based mulches, which can be too rich.
Feed with a high-potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once growth resumes in spring to promote flowering. Water regularly during dry spells but ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot.
In colder regions, it may die back, so provide winter protection by applying a dry mulch around the base or lifting and potting up plants to overwinter in a frost-free location.
Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted bark or gravel in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid manure-based mulches, which can be too rich.
Feed with a high-potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once growth resumes in spring to promote flowering. Water regularly during dry spells but ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot.
In colder regions, it may die back, so provide winter protection by applying a dry mulch around the base or lifting and potting up plants to overwinter in a frost-free location.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
