Salvia africana-lutea - African Sage (Dusty Rose)

Salvia africana-lutea - African Sage

Pot Size:  Gallon

Perennial

Salvia africana-lutea, is a perennial shrub native to South Africa’s Western Cape.  It is found growing on coastal sand dunes, arid and rocky banks and low hills. It is a shrubby evergreen woody plant reaching 3' or more in height and and 3-4' in width. Young plants have small and dense grey-green elliptical leaves becoming more twiggy as its height increases,  Flowering begins in spring and continues throughout the summer. The flowers are unique, dusty rose in color, shaped like a parrots-beak and occur in pairs on the ends of branches.

Indigenous healers use it for a wide range of complaints, including respiratory ailments, influenza, fever, headaches, gynaecological and digestive disorders.

Light: Full Sun
Soil: Light, well-draining
Water: Deep watering at least once a month. A mulch at the base is helpful.
Other notes: Hardy to approximately 20 degrees F. Propagates easily by cuttings. Combines nicely in the garden with different manzanitas.

Photo credit: C McKowen