Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ — Plant of the Year Nominee

Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ is a bicolour salvia with deep wine-pink flowers and a contrasting white or cream lip — a combination that looks particularly effective in late summer light. It was nominated for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year, recognition that reflects its garden performance as much as its ornamental impact.

At around 60cm in height and 50cm in spread, it’s compact enough for pots and containers as well as borders and beds. It flowers from late spring through to the first frosts, with nectar-rich flowers attracting bees and butterflies throughout the season.

Like all microphylla varieties, ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ is semi-hardy — it will overwinter in mild, sheltered UK gardens with a mulch, but in colder areas the safest approach is to take cuttings in August and overwinter them in a frost-free space.

Growing Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ in the UK

Position: Full sun is essential. Even a few hours of shade daily will reduce flowering noticeably. Choose the sunniest position available, ideally against a south or west-facing wall for additional warmth.

Soil: Free-draining soil is critical — this variety, like all microphyllas, dislikes sitting in wet soil over winter. On heavy clay, improve drainage with sharp grit before planting or grow in containers.

Planting time: Spring, after the last frost. If planting later in the season, overwinter in a pot and plant out the following spring.

Feeding: Balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring; high-potash liquid feed fortnightly from May to September.

Pruning

Cut back in spring once new growth is visible at the base. Do not cut back in autumn. Deadhead every two to three weeks through the season. A light Hampton Hack trim in early July encourages a fresh late-summer flush.

Browse all Salvia microphylla varieties at Middleton Nurseries

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ hardy in the UK?

Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4). It will overwinter in sheltered gardens with a generous October mulch. In colder gardens, take August cuttings — see our cuttings guide.

How long does ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ flower?

May to first frosts — around five to six months of continuous bloom with regular deadheading every two to three weeks through the season.

Can I grow it in a container?

Yes. Use peat-free compost with 20% grit, feed fortnightly with high-potash fertiliser May to September, and move under cover before the first frost.

What does ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ look like?

Deep wine-pink flowers with a white or cream contrasting lip — a bicolour that deepens and becomes more saturated in colour through the season. Compact and bushy at 60cm with well-branched stems that hold the flowers upright without needing staking.