Salvia x superba 'Merleau' (Hybrid sage 'Merleau')

Botanical name

Salvia x superba 'Merleau'

Other names

Balkan clary 'Merleau', Hybrid sage 'Merleau', Salvia x superba 'Merleau Blue'

Genus

Salvia Salvia

Variety or Cultivar

'Merleau' _ 'Merleau' is an erect, clump-forming, hybrid perennial that has a compact, evenly branched form. It has dense terminal spikes of purplish-blue flowers that rise above the foliage from late spring until late summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Foliage is scented

Habit

Clump-forming, Branching, Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Purple, Blue in Spring; Blue, Purple in Summer; Purple, Blue in Autumn

Foliage

Pale-green in Spring; Pale-green in Summer; Pale-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Leafhoppers , Scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease free.

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew , Rust

General care

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Salvia x superba 'Merleau' (Hybrid sage 'Merleau') will reach a height of 0.45m and a spread of 0.35m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Coastal

Cultivation

Grow in moist, free-draining soil in a sunny, sheltered position.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Salvia x superba 'Merleau' (Hybrid sage 'Merleau')

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Salvia x superba 'Merleau' (Hybrid sage 'Merleau')

Common pest name

Green semi-looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Salvia x superba 'Merleau' (Hybrid sage 'Merleau')

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/