Salvia splendens 'Van-Houttei'

An bushy herbaceous deciduous perennial that grows up to 1.3m high.

This salvia blooms non stop from spring to autumn in spikes of two-lipped dark red flowers. Leaves are bright to dark green elliptical and toothed. Foliage is fragrant when crushed.

Plant in full sun to part shade with moist but well-drained soil.

Prepare the planting site when soil is moist and easily worked after the first rains in autumn. The soil is still warm so the plants can make root growth before the following summer. Always choose healthy well-grown plants. Remove all perennial weeds and incorporate bark, compost or other organic material. On heavy soils raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice or sand. Plant when the soil is moist and warm in autumn or early spring so that a good root system develops to support vigorous new growth. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball put in the plant and firm around the base water in well.

With suitable preparation and care, perennials will grow and flower well year after year. They benefit from a weed-free well-drained soil rich in organic material. Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well planned border, the plants in flower should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding. Apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood & bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Control slugs and snails to prevent damage to tender young shoots. Stake plants at or near planting time to ensure the plants are not damaged and grow around the stakes to conceal them.

It is advisable to add organic matter such as compost to the soil every second year and an annual application of lime. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.

This plant has moderate feeding requirements. If in beds a soluble multi-feed used every six weeks is adequate. Monthly feeding is preferable if in containers or hanging baskets. This feeding will ensure prolific blooming and healthy strong plants. Apply mulch once planted this will help suppress weeds and conserve moisture.

Most salvias require well-drained soil and are ideally suited to growing in semi-shade in Auckland gardens. Tip prune during the summer to prone the flowering period. Cut back after flowering in autumn. Only water in a prolonged period of dry weather. Pinch out young growth to encourage bushiness.

Salvias grown as bedding plants can be allowed to die each autumn (and often are) then new plants purchased or raised from seed each spring. Alternatively, they can be left in the ground to overwinter but this is only possible in warmer areas. Larger potted or container plants may be overwintered in bright cool frost-free locations. Water during dry summer periods to prolong flowering.

In autumn or spring, softwood cuttings can be taken or sow seed in spring. Alternatively, new plants can be purchased in spring.

Flowers attract bees.

Relatively pest and disease free but slugs may attack new foliage and mildew may be a problem later on in the summer.

Salvia Garden