Golden Sage
(Salvia aurea)
Golden Sage (Salvia aurea)
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Nicola van Berkel
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Nicola van Berkel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nicola van Berkel | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nicola van Berkel | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-23T09:47:25-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Salvia aurea, commonly known as Golden Sage, is an evergreen perennial shrub native to coastal dunes and sandy plains of South Africa. It typically grows to a height and width of more than 1 meter, with a rounded and open habit. The leaves are aromatic, grey-green, and covered with fine hairs, which help the plant conserve moisture. Golden Sage produces striking flowers that start out bright yellow and mature to a rusty color, with the dark rusty-colored calyx remaining attractive well after the fruiting period. Flowering occurs from late winter to spring, adding seasonal interest to the garden.
Golden Sage is valued for its drought tolerance and the year-round visual interest provided by its foliage and persistent calyces. It is suitable for xeriscaping, coastal gardens, and as an accent plant in Mediterranean-style landscapes. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy, with moderate watering. While it is generally easy to maintain, it may require occasional pruning to keep its shape and promote denser growth. Golden Sage can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Golden Sage is valued for its drought tolerance and the year-round visual interest provided by its foliage and persistent calyces. It is suitable for xeriscaping, coastal gardens, and as an accent plant in Mediterranean-style landscapes. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy, with moderate watering. While it is generally easy to maintain, it may require occasional pruning to keep its shape and promote denser growth. Golden Sage can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Brown, Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal dunes and sandy plains of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Beach Sage, Dune Sage, Sand Sage
Scientific Names: , Salvia africana-lutea, Salvia aurea, Crolocos aurea, Salvia eckloniana, Salvia lutea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Salvia aurea L.