Sage Bush

(Buddleja salviifolia)

Sage Bush (Buddleja salviifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Buddleja salviifolia, commonly known as sage bush or sagewood, is a semi-deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats in southern and eastern Africa, including rocky hillsides, forest margins, and along watercourses from Kenya and Angola southwards. It can grow to a height of 13-26 feet with a similar spread and features multi-stemmed, drooping branches. The leaves are greyish-green, textured, and resemble those of sage, contributing to its common name. From late winter to spring, it produces terminal conical panicles of white, cream, mauve, or purple flowers that are highly fragrant and attract a variety of pollinators.

Sagewood is valued for its aromatic flowers and is often used in gardens for ornamental purposes, including as a feature plant or in mixed shrub borders. It is also known for its traditional medicinal uses and the wood is used to make assegais and fishing rods. This species is hardy in USDA zone 8, tolerates dry soils, and is moderately frost-hardy. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While generally low-maintenance, it may require pruning to maintain a desired shape and to remove any dead or damaged wood.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 8-20 feet
  • Width: 8-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to rocky hillsides, forest margins, and along watercourses in southern and eastern Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Sage-Leaved Butterfly-Bush, Woolly Butterfly Bush

Scientific Names: , Buddleja salviifolia, Buddleja aurantiacomaculata, Lantana salviifolia,

GBIF Accepted Name: