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BeddingConservatory GreenhouseHerbaceous Perennial

Salvia confertiflora

Sabra spike sage

A tender, woody-based perennial to 1.2m tall, with scalloped yellow-green leaves to 20cm long, strongly scented when crushed, and slender spikes of small scarlet-orange flowers with deep red calyces, in late summer and autumn

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© RHS 1999
© RHS
© RHS
© RHS 1999
© RHS
© RHS
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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 Green
Summer Red Orange Green
Autumn Red Orange Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

Plant range
Brazil

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How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in well-drained, peat-free potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun; can be moved outdoors during the summer months

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly; outdoors may be attacked by slugs and snails, capsid bug, rosemary beetle and leafhoppers

Diseases

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

Get involved

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