Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 90 - 1.2m
Position: Sun / part shade
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Salvia amarissima Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Salvia amarissima

Salvia amarissima is medium sized, with an upright, branching growth habit. It grows approximately 90cm high by 90 wide, although the inflorescence reaches up to 1.2 meters. The green leaves are quite big, bright and deeply veined, with an ovate or heart shaped ending in a point. The flowers are large with a wide double lobed lower lip and a small upper lip. Bracts are a darker green colour on red tinged inflorescence stems. Tiny hairs on the bracts give a silvery appearance in the sunlight. The blooms are baby blue to mauve or light purple in colour with several small white striations leading into the throat, showing off the anthers full of yellow pollen. They bloom from late summer into autumn. In regions with mild winters the blooms may continue through winter.

It is also called Bitter Mexican Sage and is closely related to Salvia urica or Mexican Bush Sage. They have a similar graceful growth habit. There are many salvias originating in Mexico, so it is worth being careful with checking the name in case of confusion. S.leucantha is also called Mexican Bush Sage and S. mexicana is simply called Mexican Sage.

Salvia amarissima has been used in Mexico for traditional medicine and has shown anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-helminthic activity. It contains amarisolide which is a di-terpene and also found in other salvias. S. amarissima is one of the most intensively studied salvias for its potential benefits.

The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants. Ornamental salvias have become collectors items, as gardeners try to find a place in their garden for each and every one. There are salvias that will suit every type of soil and climate. More information on the Salvia genus and Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) may be found on our Common Sage page.

Growing Conditions

Salvia amarissima is known as a tender salvia from Mexico. Many salvias from this region are known for heat tolerance and S. amarissima is hardy in this respect. However, it prefers some shade and moist soil conditions with recommendations not to let the soil dry out. It can take morning sun, but needs afternoon shade for best performance. It often does best with part or dappled shade for much of the day. The soil should be well drained, moist but not damp and quite rich in nutrients. This salvia does well in containers, but drainage must be good. Propagation is by seed or stem cuttings.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.