Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Salvia aurea or Beach 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 aurea, Salvia apiana, Salvia africana, Salvia scabra, Salvia lanceolata, Salvia canariensis, Salvia farinacea, Salvia leucantha, Salvia guaranitica, Salvia namaensis, Salvia greggii, Salvia microphylla, Salvia mexicana, Salvia splendens, Salvia disermas, Salvia vaseyi, Salvia leucophylla, Salvia sclarea, Salvia mellifera, Salvia nemorosa, Salvia officinalis, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia elegans.

Common names: Golden sage, Beach sage, Dune sage, Sand sage. This species is native to Cape Provinces, South Africa.

They are fast-growing evergreen aromatic shrubs that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are gray-green in color and the many attractive flowers are yellow and turn orange or gold with hints of violet. They bloom in spring. Petalless calyxes can be decorative during the summer.

These easy-to-grow plants are used in rockery, to form bushy groups with other Salvias, as contrasting plants with green foliage plants or as isolated specimens. They are ideal for coastal gardens due to their resistance to wind and salinity. They have medicinal properties against coughs and menstrual cramps.

Salvia aurea needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures. They resist occasional frosts.

The soil must be very well drained and contain organic matter.

These drought-resistant plants need moderate watering while waiting for the substrate to dry.

Fertilize with manure or compost in the fall.

Prune after flowering to keep it compact. Sometimes it's better to renew them every 5-6 years because they take on a too woody appearance at the base.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring; it's faster to do it by cuttings in spring.

Images of the shrub Salvia aurea or Beach sage