Salvia candelabrum

Location

The Sunken Garden

Description:

A woody-based perennial of erect habit, 1m in height, with lance-shaped or oblong leaves that stay all winter and whorls of violet-blue flowers. Native to Spain it can easily be mistaken for common culinary sage (Salvia officinalis), although it's not identical. Both species have soft woolly leaves which release an aromatic scent when crushed indicating a love of full sun although withstanding temperatures down to -10C.

Site and Care:

Humus rich, fertile, light, well-drained soil of any type in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead to encourage more flowers. It is hardy in the south of the UK but it is as well to protect it with a thick mulch over winter. Propagation is by cuttings in late summer or division in spring.