BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Sage
• Genus: Salvia
• Species: patens
• Skill Level: experienced
• Exposure: full sun
• Hardiness: half hardy
• Soil type: moist, sandy, well-drained/light
• Height: 0.6m
• Spread: 0.45m
• Flowering period: July to September
• Time to plant: May to June
• Time to plant seeds: March to April

Salvia patens is a tender, tuberous rooted tender perennial from Mexico. It has the most alluring, deep blue flowers. Each flower appears to be split in two, like a gaping mouth. The flowers are so delicate and eye-catching, they will be the talking point of the flower border in late summer and autumn. The leaves are fairly soft and hairy. To propagate, sow seeds in spring and plant out when the danger of frost has passed. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.