Care of the shrub Salvia lanceolata or Rusty sage |
|
The genus Salvia, family Lamiaceae, comprises 1,000 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Central and South America. Some species are: Salvia lanceolata, Salvia guaranitica, Salvia greggii, Salvia farinacea, Salvia disermas, Salvia canariensis, Salvia aurea, Salvia apiana, Salvia africana, Salvia scabra, Salvia leucantha, Salvia namaensis, Salvia microphylla, Salvia mexicana, Salvia splendens, Salvia vaseyi, Salvia leucophylla, Salvia sclarea, Salvia mellifera, Salvia nemorosa, Salvia officinalis, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia elegans. Common names: Rusty sage, Lance-leaf sage. This species is native to the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. They are aromatic shrubs with an erect bearing and relatively rapid growth that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The interesting gray foliage is composed of hairy leaves that give off a scent of lemon pepper. The lipped flowers can be crimson-pink-red or gray-blue. They bloom from mid spring to late fall. They are used in rockery, on dry slopes, in bushy groups and in pots and planters. Salvia lanceolata needs direct sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. They resist occasional frosts but lose the aerial part (they sprout again in spring). They grow in any type of soil as long as it has excellent drainage. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to be completely dry; they resist drought well. Fertilize with compost in early spring and mid-summer. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. They are easy to grow and low maintenance plants that do not usually present pest and disease problems if there is not excess moisture. They are propagated by stem cuttings in spring or from seeds sown in a sandy substrate in fall or spring. |
Images of the shrub Salvia lanceolata or Rusty sage |
 Salvia lanceolata  Salvia lanceolata |