Salvia fruticosa or Greek sage

Care of the plant Salvia fruticosa or Greek sage

The genus Salvia, family Lamiaceae, includes 1,000 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Central and South America. Some species are: Salvia fruticosa, Salvia officinalis, Salvia splendens, Salvia scabra, Salvia nemorosa, Salvia namaensis, Salvia microphylla, Salvia mexicana, Salvia mellifera, Salvia leucantha, Salvia lanceolata, Salvia guaranitica, Salvia greggii, Salvia farinacea, Salvia disermas, Salvia canariensis, Salvia aurea, Salvia apiana, Salvia africana, Salvia vaseyi, Salvia leucophylla, Salvia sclarea, Salvia elegans.

Common name: Greek sage. This species is native to the eastern Mediterranean.

They are perennial sub-shrub plants that reach 80 cm (2.62 feet) in height. The aromatic, velvety lanceolate leaves are greyish-green. Showy lavender-pink flowers appear in spikes above the leaves. They bloom in spring.

This fast-growing plant is used in rockeries, on dry and sunny slopes, on edges, as isolated specimens and in pots for patios and terraces. The leaves, dried or fresh, are used as a condiment in cooking. Greek sage attracts butterflies and bees.

Salvia fruticosa needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. It resists frost down to -12 ºC (10.4 ºF).

Greek sage grows in any type of soil that is very well drained, be it poor, stony or sandy. It does not grow well in soils very rich in organic matter.

Salvia fruticosa is a very resistant to drought plant that needs occasional watering in spring and in summer, always waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In autumn and winter water very little.

Greek sage does not need fertilizer.

Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a compact habit.

Salvia fruticosa is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering.

Greek sage is propagated by cuttings during spring or summer.