Salvia lavandulifolia
Spanish sage
Salvia lavandulifolia forms a neat, woody-based mound of narrow, downy grey-green leaves that release a pleasant scent when brushed. In midsummer, upright spikes of violet-blue to pale mauve flowers rise above the foliage, attracting bees and other pollinating insects.
Reaching around 60cm (2ft) tall and wide, it suits gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style planting and the front of a sunny border, where its silvery foliage contrasts beautifully with brighter flowers. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, as good drainage is especially important through the UK winter.
Reaching around 60cm (2ft) tall and wide, it suits gravel gardens, Mediterranean-style planting and the front of a sunny border, where its silvery foliage contrasts beautifully with brighter flowers. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, as good drainage is especially important through the UK winter.
How to care for Salvia lavandulifolia:
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:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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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.
