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Salvia argentea (Silver Sage) - A biennial or short-lived perennial that forms a beautiful 1-2 feet high mound by nearly 3 feet across with leaves that are whitish silver-gray, irregularly lobed, and quite fuzzy; at maturity their length is between 8-15 inches and 6 inches across. In early summer mature plants produce a 2–3-foot candelabrum-shaped flower spike that holds white flowers tinged with yellow or pink that are held on tiered whorls.
Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil. Water only occasionally. Hardy to -20° F and reportedly grown into USDA Zone 5a. This plant is primarily grown for its foliage and its lifespan in the garden may be prolonged if the inflorescence is removed as it is initiated but this plant can also perpetuate itself by seeding about so one may want to let the plant flower and go to seed. Watch for snails which are a known problem for this plant.
Salvia argentea comes from the Mediterranean region from Southern Europe and North Africa to the Eastern Mediterranean. The name Salvia comes from the Latin name used by Pliny for the plant and comes from the Latin word 'salvere' meaning "to save" in reference to the long-believed healing properties of the plant. The specific epithet of this plant is from the Latin word for silver. We have grown this plant at our nursery since 1990.
This information about Salvia argentea displayed on this web page is based on research we have conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations we have made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how our crops have performed in containers in the nursery field. Where appropriate, we will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.
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