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Annual BiennialBedding

Salvia viridis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

painted sage

An annual sage, grown primarily not for its insignificant flower, but for the colourful bracts borne on upright stems in summer. These modified leaves are blue, pink or white. Seeds of cultivars are available in single colours or blends

Other common names
annual clary sage
green-topped sage
Synonyms
Salvia horminum 'Colour Blend'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green Pink Purple White
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

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

Enjoys a free-draining, sunny site. May need support in windy spots

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring, either directly or in modules for planting out. Likely to self-seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Bedding
Pruning

Cut back faded flowers to encourage fresh flower spikes

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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

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