Cooks and gardeners alike are indebted to this evergreen perennial for the unique, pungent flavor and aroma that its gray-green leaves produce. ‘Berggarten’ is more compact than the species, forming a 2-foot-tall by 3-foot-wide bush with woody stems that may be trimmed back to newly emerging growth or strong stems in spring. In early to mid-summer, it sends up purple flower spikes. It boasts attractively rounded leaves and, like the species, has both ornamental and culinary qualities in an herb garden. It tolerates alkaline soils but not wet winter conditions.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsLarge, edible leaves
CareProvide moist but well-drained soil in full sun. This species tolerates alkaline soil.
PropagationSow seed or divide plants in spring. Take cuttings spring through fall.
ProblemsPowdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites
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- Genus : Salvia
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8
- Uses : Containers, Dry areas, Foliage, Ground Covers, Small Spaces
- Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Summer
- Characteristics : Fragrant Foliage
- Light : Full Sun
- Foliage Color : Green
- Maintenance : Low
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest, Summer Interest
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