HOW TO PROPAGATE

Method 1: Cuttings

Salvias are fairly easy to propagate from tip cuttings in spring and autumn. it is by far the best way to obtain multiple plants, as it ensures your plants will be true to form.

Take a cutting 10–12cm from the tip, making sure to cut just below the node, which is where the growing cells are located. Many salvias have hollow stems and will not take if cut in between the nodes.

Strip the bottom leaves, remove any flower buds and remove the growing tip. this stimulates the growth of new shoots and will encourage the plant to bush out. For large-leaf varieties, cut the leaf in half to reduce transpiration.

Dip each cutting into root hormone and insert carefully into a tray of potting medium that contains about 40% vermiculite.

Keep in a semi-shaded area until the roots begin to show and then pot up into larger containers.

Method 2: Division large, well-established salvias can be dug up and divided, creating new plants that come away happily once they have a new space in which to grow.