Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 1 - 1.2m
Position: Full sun
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 discolor 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 discolor Peruvian Sage

Salvia discolour is an evergreen perennial growing to 60-80cm high and up to 80cm wide under good conditions, but may only reach 45 high and 45cm wide. The flowers are a stunning deep violet colour, sometimes taking on an almost black appearance. In photos the flowers often appear black, but a deep eggplant colour could be a more apt description. The long bracts are a pistachio grey-green and contrast with both the dark flowers and the rich green stem holding the inflorescence. The fragrance of the flowers is said to be a rich black current aroma, fruity and eucalyptus all mixed into one. Intoxicating and elegant are apt descriptions for the flowers.

The growth habit is scandent or somewhat climbing and trailing, with the long stems often arching under the weight of leaves. The richly coloured, grey green leaves are edged with silvery white and marked with a white central vein. The main stems and the underside of the leaf are tomentose, meaning they are covered in dense, flat white hairs giving a silvery appearance. The hairy stems change to green near the floral display, become very sticky and often catch insects.

This salvia goes by many common names including Peruvian Sage, Andean Silver Leaf Sage, Flypaper Sage, Black Sage and Con-colour Sage. The many names have developed because the plant is native to the high altitude regions of Peru and has bi-colour leaves, which may also be sticky enough to catch insects. There is a variety with a slight purple tinge to the bracts and slightly smaller leaves, which is simply called S. discolour – Purple Bracts.

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 discolour likes full sun for at least half a day and may tolerate part shade. Although, it is quite drought tolerant regular watering in summer is appreciated and improves plant condition. Well drained soils are best, as it does not like wet feet. The flowering period is from summer to autumn. In warmer climates, like much of Australia, Peruvian Sage may bloom most of the year including some winter months. It does not seem to respond to cutting back as a means of encouraging bushy growth. The leafless stems extend up to 90 cm before arching and pruning does not alter this pattern. Propagation is by semi hardwood cuttings.

Peruvian Sage is a medium sized plant, with a scandent growth habit and often arches over to the ground under its own weight. A trellis or bamboo frame is often a good choice for the sprawling nature of this plant. Reports suggest the plant does climb, but it does not have tendrils. If not given the support of a frame or other plants, it may settle into a ground cover. It also does well in a container and tumbles nicely over the edges. It is worth noting that in many countries salvias are grown in containers due to the climate.

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