Salvia microphylla Delice Fiona

Salvia microphylla 'Delice Fiona' is a shrubby sage that produces delicate white flowers with a pink base, from May until autumn. Its floribundity and small semi-evergreen aromatic leaves make it a precious ally for sunny and warm terraces and gardens. Robust, but only moderately hardy, it will need protection in cold regions.

The 'Delice Fiona' sage belongs to the large family of Lamiaceae, which offers gardeners numerous aromatic and ornamental plants (thyme, rosemary, catnip, agastache...). This variety originates from a group of salvias native to the mountains of Central America, which gives them a respectable hardiness of approximately -10°C (14°F). These salvias are woody: their stems harden and form wood, which can be damaged by severe frost, especially in cold climates. The leaves are small, ovate, and deliciously aromatic, with hints of mint and lemon. This fragrance is particularly pronounced in hot and dry weather, and the essential oils often make the leaves slightly sticky. Between May and October (or later depending on the weather), the 'Delice Fiona' sage produces numerous delicate white flowers, subtly tinged with pink at the base. The purple calyxes are also very sculptural and highlight the flowers well. It will reach approximately 70 cm (28in) in height and 80 cm (32in) in width.

The origins of the 'Delice Fiona' shrubby sage make it a plant well adapted to sunny, fairly dry, slightly rocky (even limestone) soils. Moderately hardy: it will grow without problems in mild and warm climates but will require winter protection if temperatures frequently drop below -10°C (14°F), in which case, grow it in a pot and bring it indoors as soon as frost is expected. Perfect for rockeries, dry borders, and pots, this sage will create beautiful combinations with other shrubby salvias such as Salvia 'Blue Note' or 'Amethyst Lips'. You can place Phlomis tuberosa 'Amazone' nearby or a ground cover for dry areas such as Alpine savory, Acaena 'Blue Haze', or wall stonecrop (Sedum acre) for a colourful scene in early summer.