SALVIA africana-lutea

Rustic evergreen perennial shrub, with a typical bushy and rounded habit. Native to South Africa, it is quite fast in growth and can reach about 18-meter height maximum and a slightly smaller diameter. It has numerous lignified branches that run erect and arched and form a dense tangle. The herbaceous stems, which detach from the woody ones and further thicken the plant, bear small silvery-grey, intensely aromatic opposite leaves. The unusual flowers of this shrub appear in spring, they are gathered in dense inflorescences at the apex of the stems of the previous year: they may give the impression of having already withered. They are large and initially have an orange-rust color, then reddish brown. Once dropped, they leave a saucer-shaped red chalice with a paper consistency that is particularly attractive. Furthermore, these flowers contain an enormous quantity of sweet nectar therefore they are often surrounded and frequented by bees, butterflies and birds.

It needs a sunny and very bright position and it is suitable to any kind of soil even if it prefers the medium and well drained ones. It tolerates drought but benefits from sporadic irrigations during the hottest months of summer. It doesn't tolerates frost which could even destroy the upper part of the plant: in spring, with first warmth, it will sprout out again from its strong roots. Ensure a sheltered place in order to avoid excessive and irreparable cold damages. It tolerates salt and strong winds so it is ideal for the realization of coastal gardens. in spring you can realize a light pruning by removing dried, damaged and messy branches in order to give a thicker and more compact shape to the plant. With the passing of time, usually after 5 years, the plant gets old and develops many wood parts which are not able to grow again even after a vigorous cut: in these cases it is necessary to leave from a new plant. It is not very suitable to pots and containers; in full ground it can be used as single specimen in a rock garden or with other shrubs with contrasting foliage and blooming, or it can also be used to realize a very original and informal brushy border.