Salvia chamelaeagnea

Common names: Rough Blue Sage (E); Bloublomsalie (A);

Shrub

Salvia chamelaeagnea

EVERGREEN

FULL SUN

SEMI FROST HARDY

LOW WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

FRAGRANT

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWERING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

FRUITING TIME:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

DESCRIPTION

A dense shrub with many strong, upright square-shaped stems. The bright green leaves are slightly hairy and sometimes the edges are toothed. The leaves are dotted with glands which emit a very strong scent when touched and leave a sticky, bitter-tasting residue on fingers. The blue flowers are formed in whorls along the top third of the stems.

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION

This plant grows naturally in the arid regions of the south western Cape so is best suited for a rockery in sandy soil.

GARDEN THEMES

Bushveld

FLOWERS

The blue flowers are formed in whorls along the top third of the stems. Individual plants flower for a month or two. The flowers are on small side branches; opening from the bottom upwards towards the tips of the stems. The large calyx is usually an attractive reddish-purple colour. It is covered with small hairs and is also dotted with glands. The corolla, which we usually call the flower, varies in colour from blue, mauve, pink to pure white. Flowers with a dark blue top lip and white lower lip are the most common.

FOLIAGE

Leaves are formed opposite each other along the stems or on short side branches, and often grow in tufts. The bright green leaves are slightly hairy and sometimes the edges are toothed. The leaves are dotted with glands which emit a very strong scent when touched and leave a sticky, bitter-tasting residue on fingers.

PLANTBOOK