Salvia semiatrata Zucc.
riviera sage
A semi-evergreen shrub to 90cm in height, with yellowish-green foliage, hairy on the underside. Large, bicolored lipped flowers, are luminous dark violet on the upper lip and dusky lavender on the lower lip, with a rich violet calyx, flowering in summer and autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow well in soils that are moderately fertile and moist but well-drained preferably in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Once the plant is established it will require less watering.
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring and by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 9, cut back flower spikes to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots
Get involved
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