Buy sage Salvia 'Pink Amistad ('Arggr17-011')'

Salvia Pink Amistad ('Arggr17-011')

sage

Hot on the heels of the enormously popular ‘Amistad’, comes this elegant pink and magenta sage - the stunningly beautiful 'Pink Amistad’. Strutting its stuff with with strong upright stems and darkened bracts that provide a gorgeous contrast for its deep pink buds to reveal gentle, soft pink blooms. These late summer stunners, in flower from July until October, are also a hit with pollinating insects, especially bees, and perform well in pots or blended with mixed border plantings.

How to care for Salvia Pink Amistad ('Arggr17-011'):

When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly.

To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.

In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.

Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.

Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

1.6m

Eventual spread:

0.6m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost

Hardiness:

Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.