Salvia cuspidata ssp. gilliesii: An Andean Sage
The Discovery: A History of Botany at the Summit
Salvia cuspidata ssp. gilliesii is an emblematic plant of the Andean mountains, perched at altitudes of around 3,000 meters. Initially described under the name Salvia gilliesii by the famous botanist George Bentham, this sage was named in honor of John Gillies, a 19th-century Scottish explorer and botanist who contributed to the discovery of many plant species in South America.
In 2007, a taxonomic revision allowed it to be attached to the species Salvia cuspidata as a subspecies, recognizing both its botanical relationship and its regional particularities. This new classification highlights the richness and diversity of Salvia in the Andean mountain ecosystems.
The Andes, with their spectacular peaks and harsh climatic conditions, have shaped this plant into a resilient species, able to thrive in environments where few other plants survive.

A Botanical Portrait: A Sentinel of the Andes
Scientific Identification
Scientific Name: Salvia cuspidata ssp. gilliesii
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Andean Mountains (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia)
Morphological Description
Size: Can reach up to 2.7 meters in its natural habitat.
Habit: Upright and vigorous, forming dense clumps thanks to a suckering rootstock.
Foliage:
Color: Dark green on the upper side, with a particularly bright silvery white reverse.
Texture: Soft to the touch, slightly velvety.
Evergreen: Ensures a plant presence all year round.
Flowering
Period: Autumn, bringing a touch of late color to gardens.
Inflorescence: Elegant tubular flowers borne on sturdy flower stems.
Flower colour: Subtle variations among local populations, but generally in pastel tones.
Adaptations and ecology
Natural habitat: Rocky slopes and high-altitude meadows of the Andes, often exposed to wind and significant temperature variations.
Preferred climate: Mountain climate with cool summers and moderate winters.
Ecological characteristics: Drought tolerant thanks to a well-developed root system, it is also adapted to poor, well-drained soils.

Hybrids and cultivars of Salvia cuspidata ssp. gilliesii
Although there are not many formal hybrids, this subspecies is appreciated for its evergreen foliage and its ornamental qualities in temperate climate gardens.
Salvia cuspidata 'Silver Edge': Selected for its more silvery foliage and compact habit, ideal for rockeries.
Salvia cuspidata 'Autumn Glow': Cultivar that highlights a more abundant autumn flowering and warmer shades.

Gardener's tip: Grow an Andean beauty
Exposure: Favor a sunny or slightly shaded exposure, especially in hot climates.
Soil: Requires well-drained soil, preferably rich in organic matter to ensure optimal growth. A mixture of potting soil and gravel is ideal.
Care:
Hardiness: Tolerates temperatures down to -8°C if the soil remains well drained. Protect the base with mulch in winter.
Pruning: Prune lightly in spring to encourage new growth. Its suckering stump guarantees rapid recovery.
Watering: Moderate, especially in summer. Be careful to avoid excess water which could damage the roots.

A sage for daring gardens
Salvia cuspidata ssp. gilliesii combines robustness and elegance, offering evergreen foliage of great beauty and a unique autumn flowering. A true relic of the Andes, it brings a touch of exoticism to any green space, while adapting perfectly to temperate climate gardens. Growing this sage means inviting a fragment of the Andean heights into your garden, with all the charm and resilience that they embody.