Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Aquamarine’ — RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year Nominee

Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Aquamarine’ is one of the most unusual colour combinations available in the microphylla group — cool aqua-blue tones that are genuinely rare in a species that typically runs to pinks, reds and whites. It was shortlisted for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year, recognition that reflects both its ornamental impact and its genuine distinctiveness within the salvia range.

The flowers have a blue-violet quality that reads as almost turquoise in certain lights — a colour that creates completely different planting possibilities to the warm-toned bicolours that dominate the microphylla range. At around 60cm in height and 50cm in spread, it’s compact enough for both borders and containers, and it shares the exceptional long flowering season of the microphylla group — May right through to the first frosts.

Like all microphylla varieties, ‘Delice Aquamarine’ is semi-hardy — it will overwinter in sheltered south-facing gardens with a generous mulch, but in colder or more exposed gardens the reliable approach is to take cuttings in August.

Growing Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Aquamarine’ in the UK

Full sun and free-draining soil — the standard requirements for the microphylla group. Feed fortnightly with high-potash liquid fertiliser from May to September. Cut back in spring once new growth appears at the base — never in autumn. Deadhead every two to three weeks for continuous flowering.

For overwintering, see our overwintering guide. For cuttings, see our salvia cuttings guide.

Browse all Salvia microphylla varieties at Middleton Nurseries

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour are Salvia ‘Delice Aquamarine’ flowers?

Cool aqua-blue — a blue-violet tone that is genuinely unusual in the microphylla group, which typically produces warm pinks and reds. The colour has a quality that reads as almost turquoise in certain lights, making it one of the most distinctive colours in the current UK salvia range.

Is Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Aquamarine’ hardy in the UK?

Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4). It will overwinter in sheltered south-facing gardens with free-draining soil and a generous October mulch. In colder or more exposed gardens, take semi-ripe cuttings in August and overwinter in a frost-free space. See our cuttings guide for step-by-step instructions.

Was ‘Delice Aquamarine’ nominated for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year?

Yes — along with ‘Anduus’ and ‘Delice Gold and Wine’, ‘Delice Aquamarine’ was shortlisted for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2021. The nomination recognised its genuine distinctiveness and garden performance within the microphylla group.

What planting combinations work with ‘Delice Aquamarine’?

The cool aqua-blue of ‘Delice Aquamarine’ works beautifully with silver and grey foliage plants — artemisia, stachys, lavender — and with soft purple nemorosa salvias for a cool-toned border. It’s less natural alongside warm orange and red plants, where the colour contrast can clash rather than complement.