Whether used for attractive, aromatic foliage or for vibrantly coloured flowers, there’s a salvia that's just right for your garden.
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The salvia family, also known as sage, is a well known and appreciated plant in both the flower and herb garden. All salvias are easy to grow and have a long flowering season from late spring to early autumn. The most important thing to remember about salvias is that they all need good drainage in order to flourish, and cannot grow in waterlogged soil. Although many will grow in poor, sandy soil, plenty of compost in the planting hole produces the best results.
Indigenous salvias
The South African salvias commonly used in gardens are all water smart plants:
- Blue flowered sage (Salvia africana-caerulea) grows to 2m and bears blue flowers. The foliage is aromatic. Plant in full sun and prune in winter.
- Light blue sage (Salvia chamelaeagnea) is a water smart sprawling 1,5m tall shrub with soft, light-green leaves and spikes of pale blue flowers. A white-flowered variety is also available. Plant in full sun. Prune the plant to keep it neat.
- Beach sage or golden salvia (Salvia africana-lutea) is water smart 1,5m tall shrub with grey foliage. It bears yellow blooms which fade to brick-red and then brown. Plant in full sun and prune to keep it neat. It is tolerant of coastal conditions.
- Red sage (Salvia lanceolata) is an upright grey-leafed 75cm tall shrub with yellow to burnt red flowers. Plant in full sun.
- Woolly leafed sage (Salvia dolomitica) has a height and spread of 1,5m. The dark maroon flower bracts are striking against the pale lilac flowers, and the grey foliage is aromatic. Plant in full sun.
- Blue eyes (Salvia muirii) is a 50cm tall shrub with pretty blue and white flowers. Plant in full sun.
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