Salvia microphylla 'Candleglow'

Salvia microphylla 'Candleglow' – Baby Sage

'Candleglow' carries small two-toned flowers along upright stems, the hood and tube soft pink with a cream tip, over neat, small mid-green leaves that release a blackcurrant scent when brushed. The effect is a soft pastel haze rather than a block of colour, which makes it an easy mixer in cottage plantings and pastel schemes.

It flowers over an exceptionally long season, from late spring through to autumn, and in milder gardens scarcely stops at all. Give it free-draining soil; once established it takes both drought and frost, and handles summer heat. A cut back in late winter keeps it compact and bushy. It is a steady nectar source for bees, and a good filler in borders, gravel plantings or a large pot.

• Mature height: 70–80 cm
• Mature width: 60–80 cm
• Light needs: Full sun to part shade