Salvia horminum ‘Tricolor’ (sometimes known as Salvia viridis) is a charming ornamental annual prized for its colourful, papery bracts surrounding small flowers. The distinctive tricolour bracts display an eye-catching blend of purple, pink, and white hues, making this plant a standout in flower beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements.

This variety thrives in the mild, temperate climate of Ireland, flourishing in full sun to light partial shade. It grows upright to about 40–60 cm tall with a bushy habit, offering long-lasting colour from mid-summer through early autumn.

Horticultural Points

• Botanical Name: Salvia horminum ‘Tricolor’
• Type: Annual
• Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 inches)
• Bloom Time (Ireland): July to September
• Flower/Bract Colour: Purple, pink, white tricolour bracts
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

Growing Information 

• Sow indoors in early spring or direct sow outdoors after the last frost (May).
• Prefers a sheltered, sunny spot.

Note on Irish Climate Suitability

• Salvia horminum ‘Tricolor’ thrives in Ireland’s cool summers and benefits from good air circulation to avoid mildew.
• Its bright bracts bring vibrant colour to gardens with relatively low maintenance.