Salvia rubiginosa

Salvia rubiginosa
Botanical Name: Salvia rubiginosa

Salvia rubiginosa is one of the smaller growing salvias reaching 1-1.5 meters high. It develops into a mound shape up to a meter wide with square stems supporting the tidy branches. The mid green leaves have a broad lance shape, with an almost bubble like deep texture. The 1.5cm flowers are a rich blue, surrounded by purple to rosy red calyces which provide a nice contrast. The floral clusters cover the whole plant. In some areas of the world this salvia is commonly called Rosy Bract Sage. It is a native to the southern coastal areas of Mexico and Guatemala and the main cultivars are S rubiginosa rubiginosa and S. rubiginosa hebephylla.

Growing Conditions

Salvia rubiginosa does well in partial shade, which is appreciated in especially warm areas. This salvia does not seem to like dry heat, with reports that it does not do well in areas that are both hot and dry like WA. It prefers to have an enriched soil, with good moisture content. The flowering period is in winter and spring, from June to Oct in Australia. After flowering in mid spring the plant can be cut back quite hard. It also does well in containers.

The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants. Ornamental salvias have become collectorsí items, as gardeners try to find a place in their garden for each and every one. There are salvias that will suit every type of soil and climate. More information on the Salvia genus and Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) may be found on our Common Sage page.