Salvia aurea 'Kirstenbosch': A Jewel of South African Fynbos
The Discovery: A Pearl of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Salvia aurea 'Kirstenbosch' is a specific variety of Salvia aurea, cultivated and showcased at the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in South Africa. This cultivar was bred from wild populations of Salvia aurea found in the mountainous fynbos region, a unique ecosystem renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.
Kirstenbosch Garden, founded in 1913, is a globally important centre for the conservation and study of South African endemic plants. It was there that this cultivar was observed and gained popularity for its ornamental qualities and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, characteristic of fynbos.

A botanical portrait: The charm of a little pearl of the fynbos
Scientific identification
Scientific name: Salvia aurea 'Kirstenbosch'
Family: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)
Origin: Fynbos region, South Africa, and cultivated at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.
Morphological description
Size:
Height: 1.2 meters
Width: 1.5 meters
Shape: Stocky, bushy and compact.
Foliage:
Shape: Small leaves, about 2 cm long.
Color: Grey-green and slightly wavy.
Persistent: Persistent foliage throughout the year.
Flowering
Period: June-July, but flowering can extend into autumn depending on conditions.
Flowers:
Characteristics: The flowers of Salvia aurea 'Kirstenbosch' start out bright yellow before turning brown as they age.
Inflorescences: Stocky, about 10 cm long.
Calyxes: The brown calyxes remain visible after flowering, providing prolonged visual interest.
Adaptations and ecology
Natural habitat: Dry, sunny slopes of fynbos mountains, with poor, well-drained soil.
Climate resilience: Not very hardy, resistant to -3°C, but more severe frost can harm the plant, although it can re-grow from the stump after a moderate frost.
Soil requirements: Prefers dry to poor, well-drained soils.

Horticultural uses and prospects
Use
Perfect for dry or Mediterranean gardens, where it can be used as a ground cover or small shrub.
Ideal for borders, rockeries or fynbos gardens, it adapts well to poor, dry soil conditions.
Ornamental Value
The yellow and brown flowers, combined with the grey-green foliage, make this an interesting plant in contrasting garden compositions.
Perfect for adding a subtle but distinctive touch to summer borders or for integrating it into drought-tolerant gardens.

Gardener's Tip: Growing Salvia aurea 'Kirstenbosch' successfully
Position: Enjoys a full sun and warm position, similar to its native habitat.
Soil: Prefer a well-drained, nutrient-poor but dry soil. A slightly sandy or gravelly soil is ideal.
Care:
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain the compact shape and encourage good growth.
In winter, if the plant is outdoors and temperatures drop, it may be necessary to protect it from severe frost.
Wintering:
If you are in a colder area than the conditions tolerated by this sage, it is recommended to grow it in a pot and bring it inside during the winter in a bright but cool place, such as an unheated veranda.

An emblem of the fynbos flora
Salvia aurea 'Kirstenbosch' embodies the simple and robust beauty of the plants of the South African fynbos. Adapted to the extreme conditions of its natural habitat, it proves to be an excellent garden plant for biodiversity enthusiasts and lovers of drought-resistant plants. By growing it, you invite a piece of South Africa into your garden, with all the botanical richness and beauty of this emblematic place that is the Kirstenbosch garden.