Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 1.2 - 1.5m
Position: Full sun
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants

You will receive
- 1 Salvia confertiflora Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name:

Salvia confertiflora is an herbaceous perennial growing up to 1.8 meters tall by 1.8 meters wide, however it may be smaller. This large salvia with unusual and stunning flowers has been available since the 1960s, however it is not often available in plant nurseries. The iridescent orange flowers are about 2.5 cm long and they are surrounded by deep red-brown, velvet like fuzzy calyces. There may be up to twelve inflorescences on each plant. The rugose leaves are dark green, with yellow undertones, and may be up to 14 cm long and 8 cm wide. They have serrated edges and have similar red-brown hairs to the calyces on the petiole and stems of new leaves.

The name ‘confertiflora’ means ‘crowded’ with flowers, which accurately describes the 60cm inflorescences on this salvia. This salvia may also go by the name ‘Red Velvet Sage’ and is native to Central and South America, in particular Brazil.

Growing Conditions

Salvia confertiflora grows best in full sun and in a rich, well drained soil that receives deep, weekly watering. Red Velvet Sage can grow to its full height in one growing season and benefits from wind protection, in the form of staking, due to its height. The plant flowers in autumn and winter and can tolerate light frost.

At the end of winter the plant can be cut back, with regular trimming in spring and summer to encourage more compact growth. Regular trimming and wind protection also has the benefit of protecting the heavy floral display on the inflorescences and the long red tinged stems. The extra care means they can be used as excellent and showy cut flowers. Propagation is from cuttings taken in spring.

The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants. Ornamental salvias have become collectorsí items, as gardeners try to find a place in their garden for each and every one. There are salvias that will suit every type of soil and climate. More information on the Salvia genus and Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) may be found on our Common Sage page.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.