Salvia grahamii

Salvia grahamii, also known as Salvia microphylla (Grahamii Group), is a semi-evergreen woody and bushy perennial sage, with thin and highly aromatic foliage. It is covered in small, vibrant flowers in spring, and even more generously in September, with a rare shade of pink, almost red. The lower angle of autumn light enhances this flowering, capturing the light through its petals like tiny stained-glass windows. Moderately hardy, it is nonetheless robust and thrives in well-drained, even mediocre, soil. It prefers a sunny or semi-shaded exposure. This plant adapts wonderfully to pot cultivation.

Salvia grahamii, also known as Graham's sage and baby sage, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It comes from the mountains of eastern, western, and southern Mexico, as well as southern Arizona. This branching shrubby perennial has a bushy and spreading habit, wider than it is tall. It will reach a height of 50 cm to 60 cm (19.7 in to 23.6 in), with a diameter of 60 cm (23.6 in). Its nectar-rich flowering is particularly generous, especially in autumn from September to November if the cold does not put an end to it. Elongated flowers emerge from the foliage, grouped in spikes. They measure no more than 2 cm (0.8 in) in length and are adorned with a rare and almost fascinating pink-red hue. They only live for a day, covering the ground with their petals in the evening, but will be replaced the next morning. The semi-evergreen foliage is composed of small, dark green, ovate leaves with crenate edges, which are thick, aromatic, and slightly sticky. Their leaves smell a little like blackcurrant.

This sage works well alongside the spring blooms of rock roses, rosemary, and bellflowers. It looks stunning when planted with autumn asters: choose undemanding types, such as Aster laevis, A. turbinellus, or A. amellus for example. Gauras, tall sedums (Sedum 'Matrona'), and shrubby potentillas will compose a charming tableau with it. On a terrace, place it in a large pot, right next to a Cape plumbago; the colour combination is fantastic!

In Mexico, a delicious tea is prepared with the leaves of this sage, which is called 'mountain myrtle' there.