Shrubby sage

Salvia microphylla

Shrubby sage is a perennial for focal point, mid-border, suited to full sun and loam, sandy soil or chalk, flowering Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Where to use it in a border

At around 80 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 80 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 7a to 10b and rated H4 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of full sun, sandy soil, chalk soil, pollinator-friendly plants.

Border Builder uses Shrubby sage's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Flowering through the year

Worth knowing

• Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

• Catmintto edge in front
• Mexican Fleabaneto edge in front
• Perennial Wallflower 'Bowles's Mauve'to edge in front
• Rosemaryto flower when it does not
• Thriftto edge in front
• Carthusian pinkto edge in front

Garden styles

Cottage garden Mediterranean Wildlife garden