The short answer

Quick Answer

Salvia (Perennial Sage) thrives in full sun on most soils (pH 5.5-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 50 to 80cm tall, 40 to 60cm spread. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Cut back spent flower spikes in mid-summer. Cut all growth to the ground in late autumn or early spring

How: Shear to basal growth. Plants respond well to a hard chop

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Europe and Asia Minor

Native or exotic: Salvia pratensis (meadow clary) is native to southern England chalk downland

History: Cultivated in British gardens since the 1500s

Folklore: In medieval times sage was thought to prolong life. The saying was: why should a man die when sage grows in his garden

Fun fact: The genus name Salvia comes from the Latin salvare, to save or heal. There are over 900 species in the genus

Historical medicinal uses: Some salvias have traditional medicinal use. Common sage is used in throat gargles. Culinary sage is safe; ornamental salvias are not for consumption

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Outstanding. Bees of all sizes, hoverflies and butterflies [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 10 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [3][4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 High. Long flowering window supports pollinators through the late summer gap[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 8 out of 10 Peak flowering June to September, often longer[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with catmint, roses, geraniums and ornamental grasses

Pest control: Aromatic foliage deters rabbits and deer

Common diseases and issues: Generally trouble-free. Occasionally slug damage on young shoots

Invasive note: Not invasive. Some self-seeding of species forms

CGM care note

We plant salvias in drifts of 3 or 5 to get a solid block of colour. They knit together by year two and need almost no maintenance beyond the annual chop.

  • Catmint (Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta faassenii)
  • Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis))
  • Mint (Mentha species (Mentha spicata, Mentha piperita))
  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Salvia (Perennial Sage)

How Salvia (Perennial Sage) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Lavender, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Rosemary, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Thyme, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Sage, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Bay, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Oregano, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Salvia (Perennial Sage).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Salvia (Perennial Sage) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Salvia (Perennial Sage) (Salvia nemorosa and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Salvia (Perennial Sage). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Salvia nemorosa and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Lamiaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Dmitruk M, Sulborska A, Konarska A, et al. (2019). Floral biology and insect visiting of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae). Acta Agrobotanica, 72(2), 1767.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Lamiaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: pollinators, pollinator_rank, seasonal_highlight, companion_planting.

  4. 4
    Hicks DM, Ouvrard P, Baldock KCR, et al. (2016). Food for pollinators: quantifying the nectar and pollen resources of urban flower meadows. PLOS ONE, 11(6), e0158117.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 10/10 for Salvia (Perennial Sage). The pollinator description above ("Outstanding. Bees of all sizes, hoverflies and butterflies") is consistent with this study's finding that plants in the high-nectar-yield category attract exceptional numbers of bees, butterflies, and moths. The Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Long flowering window supports pollinators through the late summer gap") is supported by the study's quantification of nectar resources during the mid-summer flowering period (Seasonal highlight: "Peak flowering June to September, often longer"). Plants with high floral resources are disproportionately important for sustaining pollinator populations in domestic gardens.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 10/10 and the Pollinators description ("Outstanding. Bees of all sizes, hoverflies and butterflies"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Salvia (Perennial Sage)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Long flowering window supports pollinators through the late summer gap") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Salvia (Perennial Sage). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Salvia (Perennial Sage)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Lamiaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Salvia (Perennial Sage). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Salvia (Perennial Sage). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Salvia (Perennial Sage). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Salvia (Perennial Sage). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Salvia (Perennial Sage). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Salvia (Perennial Sage). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Salvia (Perennial Sage). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Salvia (Perennial Sage) performs well locally

Towns where Salvia (Perennial Sage) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

Possible with extra care

View all areas we cover