Salvia argentea
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
Synonyms
Salvia sclarea 'Argentea'Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Get involved
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