Salvia regla: The majestic sage of the Mexican mountains
The discovery: A Mexican treasure unveiled by Cavanilles
Salvia regla, an imposing shrubby sage native to Mexico, was first described in 1799 by the famous Spanish botanist Antonio José Cavanilles. A specialist in plants of the Americas, Cavanilles documented this species as part of his work on the flora of the New World, marking an important milestone in the study of Mexican sages.
This sage takes its name from the town of Regla, located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, a region famous for its mountainous landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. The natural habitat of Salvia regla consists of sunny and well-drained slopes, where this impressive plant can develop fully.
By combining the majesty of its proportions with the warmth of its orange flowers, this sage has become an emblem of exotic and dry gardens, symbolizing the botanical richness of Mexico.

A botanical portrait: The flamboyant elegance of Mexico
Scientific identification
Scientific name: Salvia regla
Family: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)
Origin: Mountainous regions of Mexico, particularly near Regla in the state of Hidalgo
Morphological description
Size: Shrub reaching up to 3 meters in height in optimal conditions.
Shape: Upright, with branches gracefully arched under the weight of the flowers.
Foliage:
Color: Light green.
Shape: Deciduous, the foliage disappears completely in winter and does not reappear until May.
Texture: Light, adapted to dry regions.
Flowering
Period: From August until the first frosts.
Inflorescence: In abundant clusters, hanging under the weight of the flowers.
Flowers:
Size: 5 to 6 cm long.
Shape: Tubular.
Color: Bright orange, illuminating autumn gardens.
Adaptations and ecology
Natural habitat: Well-drained soils on sunny Mexican slopes.
Climate resilience: Despite its reputation for fragility in the face of cold, this species has demonstrated astonishing resistance to temperatures down to -13°C, as observed in Brittany during the harsh winters of 1996 and 2003.

Horticultural uses and prospects
Use
Perfect for dry gardens or along the edge of a wall exposed to the sun.
Ideal for adding height and structure to flowerbeds while adding a touch of flamboyant color at the end of summer.
Associated cultivars
Salvia regla ‘Royal Orange’: A variant with larger flowers and a particularly bright orange.
Salvia regla ‘Compacta’: A smaller cultivar, suitable for small gardens.

Gardener’s tip: Growing Salvia regla successfully
Exposure: In full sun, along a wall to offer it natural protection and additional heat.
Soil: Rich, deep and above all well-drained to avoid excessive humidity in winter.
Care:
In early spring, even if it seems inert, wait until May-June before seeing it recover.
Once the restart is confirmed, cut back the branches by about a third to encourage healthy growth.
Watering: Minimal, except in the event of prolonged drought in summer.
Hardiness: Although announced as not very resistant, Salvia regla tolerates intense cold (-10°C to -13°C) in well-drained soils.

A Flaming Sentinel
Salvia regla is more than just a plant: it is a veritable plant sculpture that stands tall in gardens, bringing height, structure and colour to the autumn. With its long clusters of bright orange flowers and its imposing silhouette, it embodies the elegance and resilience of the Mexican mountains. Growing Salvia regla means inviting a fragment of Mexico’s sunny lands into your garden, a true ode to the botanical diversity and timeless beauty of sages.