Salvia chamelaeagnea P.J.Bergius
rough blue sage · bloublomsalie (Afr.)
Upright, dense sage with bright blue (sometimes white) flowers through the hot months.
What’s in the name: Salvia: from the Latin "to heal", for the sages' long medicinal use; chamelaeagnea: most likely "dwarf Elaeagnus" (Greek "chamai", on the ground, plus the oleaster genus), though Bergius never said why.
“Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?”
— William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18 – Palgrave, The Golden Treasury (1861), Project Gutenberg
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Lamiaceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
Dry country, along seepage lines, riverbeds and sandy soil among rocks.
Size & form
Dense shrub almost 2 m tall with many strong upright stems.
Flowering
Any time between November and May, in whorls on the upper third of the stems.
Uses in landscaping
- Sunny beds and fynbos gardens
- White form gives a cool look among green foliage
Care notes
Full sun, well-drained good soil and regular water, especially in winter. Cut back after flowering to keep it tidy. Grow from spring-sown seed (flowers in 12–18 months) or from cuttings to keep a colour form.
Wildlife value
Bee-pollinated: the lower lip is a landing pad and hinged anthers dust visiting bees.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Salvia chamelaeagnea'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Salvia chamelaeagnea P.J.Bergius (assessment 2005/06/30).