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Herbaceous Perennial

Salvia argentea
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

silver sage

A biennial or short-lived perennial, forming a rosette of broadly ovate, silvery-woolly leaves to 20cm in length, with erect stems bearing panicles of blush-white flowers in late summer

Other common names
silver clary
silvery clary
see moresilvery-leaved sage
Synonyms
Salvia sclarea 'Argentea'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer White Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

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

Correct

Plant range
Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring

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

Often dies after flowering so if you grow it for its foliage, remove flowers before they open

Pests

May be susceptible to sage leafhopper, slugs, snails and rosemary beetle

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

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