Salvia aurea

Scientific name: Salvia aurea 
Family: LAMIACEAE 
Common names: beach salvia, dune sage 

Plant Description
A must-have shrub for any medicinal or water-wise garden.

Salvia aurea is an evergreen hardy shrub that grows up to 2 m with greyish-green leaves that are paddle-shaped. They are occasionally toothed. Unusual golden-brown flowers are carried in short sprays 10 cm long from June to December. The petals fall and the saucer-like calyx, which becomes papery with age remains as an added attraction. When its flowering it attracts bees, birds and butterflies. 

The name Salvia means salvere in Latin which means to save or heal referring to the healing or medicinal properties. While aurea means golden describing the yellow colour of the developing flowers and the burnished golden-brown of the flower. 

Growing and maintenance of Salvia aurea

It is suitable to grow in sandy soil, flourishes in full sun and needs little watering. It tolerates drought, strong winds and it can be used for any medicinal, fynbos, and coastal gardens. The greyish-green foliage makes it a perfect specimen for a water-wise garden. Pruning after flowering helps keep the shrub tidy. 

It can be propagated from seeds sown in spring and cuttings. To propagate Salvia aurea use stem cuttings. 

• Cuttings can be taken from Spring to Autumn.
• Take 7 - 10 cm long stem cuttings.
• They can be planted into river sand or well-draining soil.
• Place cuttings in a cool spot and keep them moist but avoid over watering.

Salvia aurea is available at our nursery UWC Cape Flats Nursery.

References

Manning, J. 2009. Field Guide to Wild Flowers of South Afrika, Random House Struik (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town 

JOFFE, P. 1993. The gardener's guide to South African plants. Cape Town, Tafelburg Publishers. 

Viljoen, C. 2002, PlantZAfrica.com. http://pza.sanbi.org/salvia-aurea