Gabriel Collares / CC BY 4.0
Salvia
Salvia aurea
Overview
A massive genus that includes both culinary sage and hundreds of ornamental species, salvias are among the most valuable plants for pollinators. From the brilliant scarlet of S. splendens to the electric blue of S. guaranitica and the midnight purple of 'Black and Blue,' ornamental salvias offer months of continuous bloom. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are powerfully attracted to their tubular flowers.
Salvia aurea, commonly known as beach salvia, dune salvia, or golden salvia, is a shrubby evergreen perennial native to the coastal sand dunes and hills of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape regions in South Africa. The plant grows to more than 1 m (3.3 ft) in height and width, with numerous woody stems bearing sparse grey-green leaves.
The flowers of Salvia aurea start out as bright yellow but turn into a rusty color as they mature. The dark rusty-colored calyx persists long after fruiting begins. These unique flowers are shaped like a parrot's beak and occur in pairs at the ends of branches.
Salvia aurea has been used by early European settlers to treat various ailments, including colds, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, respiratory issues, influenza, gynecological complaints, fever, headaches, and digestive disorders. Traditional indigenous healers also use this plant for similar purposes.
The species was first named by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 using the specific epithet afr.lutea, which may be expanded to africana lutea (or africana-lutea). However, due to the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, epithets consisting of two adjectives are not allowed. Linnaeus's 1762 name Salvia aurea was accepted as the valid name as of April 2024.
Native Range and Habitat
For more information on Salvia aurea and other Lamiaceae species native to South Africa, visit PlantZAfrica or consult the SANBI Biodiversity Advisor.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- coast of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape in South Africa
- Cultivation Region
- Warm temperate to subtropical
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; do not cover — needs light |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost danger |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Deadhead spent spikes to encourage rebloom through frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8 weeks early |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant after last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Continuous bloom with deadheading |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant when frost danger passes; great hummingbird plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Nov | Long bloom season; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — Nov | Blooms spring through fall |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter/early spring |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Long season; may pause in extreme heat |
Uses
Other Uses
- Premier hummingbird and pollinator plant
- Long-blooming annual and perennial options for continuous color
- Heat and drought tolerant landscape plant
