Salvia verticillata
Lilac sage (Salvia verticillata) is a perennial that reaches 75 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.70.
A loose, bushy perennial with soft, hairy leaves that carries whorled spikes of smoky purple flowers from June to September, constantly visited by bees and butterflies. Give it full sun and lean, well-drained soil, where it shrugs off drought; in rich soil the stems tend to flop. Cut it back to the basal leaves after flowering to keep it tidy and to encourage a second flush in autumn.
| Group | Perennial |
| Light | Full sun |
| Size after 10 years | 75 cm × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 45–90 cm × 45–80 cm |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Flowering | June–September, purple |
| Water need | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Root aggressiveness | Low |
| Suckering | no data |
| Spreading | Medium |
| Distance from buildings | no data |
| Distance from paving | no data |
| Litter | not typical |
| Planting distance | 45 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | no data |
| Typical price | from about €4.70 |
Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.
The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.
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Size
|
Typical price
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|---|---|
| size not stated | approx. €4.70 – €9.10 |
Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made
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