Salvia m. 'Delice Fiona'®

Overview and Unique Qualities

Salvia microphylla 'Delice Fiona'® is a compact, bushy, deciduous sub-shrub prized for its vivid cerise-pink to red flowers and long flowering season. This variety stands out for its exceptional repeat blooming from late spring through autumn and its aromatic foliage, which releases a pleasant scent when touched or brushed.

A member of the microphylla (Littleleaf) Salvia group, ‘Delice Fiona’ is an ideal choice for pollinator gardens, patio containers, mixed borders, and sunny low-maintenance beds. It’s also highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

• Height: 50–60 cm

• Spread: 40–60 cm

• Flowers: Vibrant reddish-pink, tubular, held in airy clusters

• Foliage: Small, ovate, aromatic mid-green leaves

• Type: Semi-evergreen to deciduous perennial

• Habit: Bushy, compact, well-branched

• Flowering period: May to October

• Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy to -5°C to -10°C)

• Wildlife value: Excellent for pollinators

Growing Conditions and Site Preferences

Salvia microphylla cultivars thrive in sunny, free-draining locations and are tolerant of heat and dry spells once established.

Light Requirements

• Prefers full sun for best flowering and compact growth

• Tolerates light shade but may become more leggy and flower less

Soil Preferences

• Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils

• Tolerant of chalky, loamy, and sandy soils

• Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas—improve drainage with grit if needed

Planting Tips

• Plant in spring after frost danger has passed, or early autumn in mild areas

• Space plants 45–60 cm apart to allow good air circulation

• Ideal for:

  • Mixed borders

  • Pots and raised beds

  • Wildlife gardens

  • Mediterranean-style planting

Care and Maintenance

‘Delice Fiona’ is a low-maintenance, long-blooming perennial ideal for hands-off gardening with a few seasonal interventions.

Watering

• Water well during establishment

• Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant

• Avoid overwatering or allowing roots to sit in wet soil

Feeding

• Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring

• In containers, supplement with liquid feed every few weeks during the growing season

Pruning

• Deadhead regularly to extend blooming into late autumn

• Lightly prune after the first flush of flowers in midsummer to encourage fresh growth

• In late autumn, cut back lightly and protect roots in cold regions

• In early spring, cut back harder to shape the plant and remove any winter-damaged stems

Companion Planting and Design

With its bright colour and long blooming, ‘Delice Fiona’ is an excellent team player in both traditional and modern garden designs.

Best Uses

• Front to mid-border planting

• Containers and patio displays

• Pollinator gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes

• Cottage garden beds and informal planting schemes

Companion Plants

• Combines well with:

  • Nepeta, Coreopsis, Gaura, Lavender, Penstemon, and Achillea

• Complements silver-leaved plants such as Senecio ‘Angel Wings’ or Artemisia

• Can be used to echo pink or red tones in mixed borders

Additional Notes and Tips

• Pollinator Magnet: Especially popular with bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

• Deer & Rabbit Resistant: Aromatic foliage deters most grazers

• Overwintering in Cold Climates: In colder zones, mulch around the base or grow in containers that can be moved to shelter

• Container Growing: Ensure good drainage and repot every 2–3 years

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.