Salvia lavandulifolia

The Salvia lavandulifolia is also called Lavender-leaved Sage because of the appearance of its foliage and flowering. It is a small aromatic bush plant used for its essential oil. This botanical species is found in rocky soils, scrub vegetation, along with rosemary and woolly lavender. It is very hardy, extremely drought resistant, and perfectly adapts to dry rockeries and Mediterranean gardens without watering.

The Salvia lavandulifolia, like all salvias, belongs to the lamiaceae or labiate family. It is a perennial plant with a woody base that forms a tuft about 30 cm (12in) tall and 40 cm (16in) wide. Its stems bear small, narrow, lanceolate, green-grey leaves, measuring between 2 and 4 cm (1 and 2in) long. They are opposite and very tightly arranged on the stems. When crushed, they emit a powerful scent reminiscent of rosemary. Flowering occurs around June and lasts about 1 month. The floral spikes are somewhat loose, bearing a few bilabiate flowers grouped in small spaced clusters. The flower colour is a lavender mauve blue, sometimes leaning towards pink depending on the plants. The tissues of this sage contain a highly studied essential oil with interesting virtues.

In the garden, do not hesitate to mix different types by planting some aromatic plants such as Lavender-leaved Sage, lavenders, thymes, rosemary, and other oreganos in rockeries. They will integrate perfectly and fill gaps without requiring maintenance. The strong scents of aromatic plants often have the ability to repel insects that may attack more sensitive plants, such as certain roses or lilies. The Salvia lavandulifolia possesses the charm of Mediterranean botanical species, which will be well exploited in a water-saving southern garden exposed to winds. It can also be associated, for example, with California poppies, Echinops ritro, Erigeron karvinskianus, fast-growing plants that will create a beautiful landscape in just one season.

With over 900 species of annuals, perennials, and soft-wooded shrubs distributed throughout the world, except in very cold regions and tropical forests, the Salvia genus is the richest in the lamiaceae family. The name Salvia, which dates back to Roman times, derives from the Latin salvus, meaning 'healthy', alluding to the medicinal properties of common sage.