Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 80cm - 1m
Position: Sun / part shade
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Salvia microphylla 'Maraschino' 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 microphylla 'Maraschino'

Salvia ‘Maraschino’ is a perennial shrub with a usually evergreen habit. It may reach up to 80-90cm tall and 50-60cm wide. Due to its vertical vase shape and compact growth habit, this results in a plant that is good for narrow positions. The thin leaves are mid green and have a sweet fragrance. The stems begin to turn a dark reddish-black as floral inflorescences form in spring and summer. The bracts are a similar dark colour and they give the brilliant dark cherry red blooms a sense of drama. One can’t help but think of rich cherry covered chocolates.

Salvia ‘Maraschino’ was developed by Richard Dufresne and may be called Cherry Salvia, Maraschino Bush Sage or even S. greggii ‘Maraschino’. However, this hybrid has as one of its parents Gregg’s Cherry Sage (Salvia greggi) so it can be confusing. ‘Maraschino’ is a hybrid of Salvia greggi and Little Leaf Sage (Salvia microphylla) found in Mexico, and the North American south west. The latter is often seen represented by the synonym Salvia grahamii or Graham’s Sage, named for George John Graham (1803-1878), an English plant collector who explored Mexico.

The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants. Ornamental salvias have become collectors 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.

Growing Conditions

Salvia ‘Maraschino’ is an easy to grow salvia, with a vertical habit that allows it to fill in narrow spaces. Like most salvias it prefers well drained soil and is partial to full sun in the morning, but part shade in the afternoon heat. This aspect seems to replicate the natural habitat of the parent plants and offers the leaves some protection. However, if the plant is shaded too much it will not flower. When in a position that has full sun only on one side, the plant may lean over towards the sun. ‘Maraschino’ is drought and heat tolerant, although it prefers moderate moisture and well drained soil where possible. It is considered one of the more cold tolerant salvias and if severely affected by the cold, it is likely to grow back the following season. Propagation may be by cuttings or possibly by dividing the plant.

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