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Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Front, middle

Soil

Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

The name 'salvia' derives from the old Latin salveo, meaning 'I heal' or 'I save'. Sage was used as a healing plant, by Greeks and Romans. While it's now mainly used as a culinary herb, sage tea, made by steeping a few sage leaves in hot water, is today still used as a remedy for coughs and sore throats.

As well as its culinary value, sage is a valuable decorative evergreen shrub, which doesn't look out of place in ornamental borders.

Salvia microphylla var. microphylla has small oval-shaped leaves with a distinct fragrance reminiscent of blackcurrants. It's thought to originate from the mountain regions of Central and South America, so does best in a sunny, sheltered spot, such as a patio. For best results, grow blackcurrant sage in a container, so you can bring it indoors in winter.

A highly ornamental salvia, Salvia microphylla var. microphylla bears exquisite cerise flowers in summer, luring in pollinators such as bees.

Clip plants annually to preserve their shape and encourage growth of fresh leaves, which have the best flavour and colour. Older plants eventually become woody but are easily propagated from cuttings or by layering the naturally arching branches.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Divideyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyes
Pruneyesyesyes

Salvia ‘Microphylla’ and wildlife

Salvia ‘Microphylla’ is known for attracting bees and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Salvia ‘Microphylla’ poisonous?

Salvia ‘Microphylla’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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