Salvia sp. 'Salmia' (Flowering Sage Bush)

Botanical name: Salvia sp.

Common name: Flowering Sage Bush

Cultivar: 'Salmia'

Multi-branched shrubs attaining a height of around a metre with a similar spread. The leaves are of a dull, rich green hue on dark stems. Masses of tubular flowers are held on terminal flower spikes, appearing through much of the year. Three unique colours are available: dark purple, orange and pink. They attract sunbirds to the garden.

Salvia 'Salmia' requires well-drained soil and full day sunshine to ensure healthy growth and an abundance of blooms. Prune back hard after flowering. Apply a dressing of 5:1:5 fertiliser afterwards to encourage rapid re-growth. Plants will burst back into bloom in 6 to 8 weeks. They can tolerate light winter frost.