Salvia microphylla Papajan

Salvia microphylla 'Papajan' is a new shrubby sage with salmon pink flowers, from July until the first frost. Its floribundity and small semi-evergreen aromatic leaves make it a valuable ally for sunny and warm terraces and gardens. Only moderately frost-tolerant, it will need protection in cold regions.

The hybrid sage 'Papajan' belongs to the large family of Lamiaceae, which offers the gardener many aromatic and ornamental plants (thyme, rosemary, catmint, agastache...). This variety comes from a group of salvias native to the mountains of Central America, which gives them a reasonable hardiness of about -10°C (14°F). These salvias are woody: their stems harden and form wood, which will be damaged by severe frost, especially in cold climates. The leaves are semi-evergreen in mild climates, small and ovate, and deliciously aromatic with hints of mint and lemon. This fragrance is particularly pronounced in hot and dry weather, and the essential oils often make the leaves a bit sticky. Between July and October (even longer if the weather is mild), 'Papajan' sage produces numerous small flowers in a soft salmon pink. The dark calyx enhances the overall appeal. It will reach about 70 cm (28in) in height and 80 cm (32in) in width.

The origins of shrubby sage 'Papajan' make it a well-adapted plant for sunny, dry, limestone and rocky soils, but only moderately frost-tolerant: it will grow without problems in mild and warm climates but will require winter protection if the temperatures frequently drop below -10°C (14°F) - in which case, grow it in a pot and bring it indoors as soon as frost is expected. If you want to plant it outside in a cold region, make sure to provide it with a well-protected location sheltered from cold winds. You can also mulch its base, but be careful not to choose a material that retains too much moisture: use a mineral mulch such as gravel, as excessive winter water would be fatal. If the summer is very dry, 'Papajan' sage may need occasional watering to support its flowering, always taking care not to excessively wet its base. You can prune it back in late winter to densify the plant but do not do so before the last frosts.

Perfect in rock gardens, dry borders, and containers, this sage will form beautiful combinations with perennials in similar tones such as the Salmon Geranium 'Jolly Jewel', Red Fortune Agastache, or in sharp contrast with Petit-Cyprès Spurge as ground cover, and with grasses like Intense Blue Fescue.