Salvia microphylla
Cherry sage, Graham's sage
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 0.9m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a variable sage that makes an aromatic shrub. It is, unfortunately, rather tender and is suited to a warm site. It will only overwinter out of doors in warmest parts and in such situations it will become shrubby. The foliage is coloured mid-green and the stems have touches of brown in them. These colours set off the bright red flowers beautifully. The flowers primarily come in spring and autumn, though there are a few in between for good measure. Interestingly, the foliage has a blackcurrant odour to some when crushed, though others find it pleasingly pungent. Apparently this is prone to hybridise with any other sages in the vicinity.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.9m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based compost + grit for repotting
Use a free draining loam based compost rather than one which has been modified to be 'moisture retentive'.
Alternatively prepare a compost using three parts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3) to one part of (horticultural) sand or fine (horticultural) grit.
Found in
More Salvia
Salvia
Sage
Salvia 'Amistad'
Sage
Salvia 'Hot Lips'
Cherry sage, James hybrid salvia
Salvia 'Royal Bumble'
Hybrid sage, Autumn sage, Texas sage
Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'
Hybrid sage
Salvia Rockin'® Deep Purple = 'BBSAL09001'
Hybrid perennial sage
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
Anise-scented sage
Salvia microphylla
Cherry sage, Graham's sage