Salvia Pruning UK: When and How to Cut Back Every Type

These die back to ground level each winter. The key rule is to leave old foliage standing through winter rather than cutting it back in autumn — the stems protect the crown from frost and wet. Cut back in spring once new growth appears at the base, typically February or March. A light tidy is all that’s needed. After the first flush in early summer, the Hampton Chop — cutting back by half in late June or early July — reliably produces a second flush in August and September. See our nemorosa varieties guide for timing detail.

These are shrubby evergreens that don’t die back completely. They need a different approach to the herbaceous nemorosa group — and a different summer intervention too. Never apply the Hampton Chop to these; instead use the Hampton Hack in early July — a lighter trim rather than a hard cutback. Cut back in spring once you can see new growth emerging, removing old and dead wood back to healthy shoots. Deadhead every two to three weeks through the season. See our microphylla care guide for full detail.

Tender salvias don’t have a standard annual pruning regime in the same way as the other groups — because they need overwintering intervention before pruning is relevant. Cut back by a third before moving under cover in autumn; this reduces demand on the root system and makes the plant easier to manage in a confined space. In spring, once new growth appears, remove any dead or damaged stems. See our overwintering salvias guide and cuttings guide for the complete winter process.