Salvia dolomitica: An elegant sage from the South African mountains
The discovery: A jewel of dolomite rock gardens
Salvia dolomitica, a small shrubby sage native to South Africa, owes its name to its natural habitat in rocky areas where dolomite, a sedimentary rock, is omnipresent. This sage was first described by the English botanist William Aiton in the 1800s, at a time when interest in South African flora was booming. It quickly captured the attention of botanists for its ornamental qualities and its ability to thrive in difficult soils.

A botanical portrait: A discreet but dazzling beauty
Scientific identification
Scientific name: Salvia dolomitica
Family: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)
Origin: Rocky areas of South Africa, often on dolomite-rich soils.
Morphological description
Size:
Height: About 1 meter
Width: Medium, with a fairly compact and branched shape.
Shape: Bushy, often dense and well-balanced.
Foliage:
Shape: Narrow, lanceolate leaves, slightly toothed.
Color: Greyish-green, typical of plants living in dry and rocky environments.
Evergreen: Semi-evergreen, with foliage that can remain relatively intact throughout the winter in mild climates.
Flowering
Period: Late summer to early autumn.
Flowers:
Color: Pale lilac, sometimes slightly bluish.
Shape: Tubular flowers arranged in compact spikes.
Inflorescences: Dense and elegant clusters that attract attention while bringing a subtle touch of color to the garden.
Adaptations and Ecology
Natural habitat: Mountain and hilly areas, often on rocky and nutrient-poor but well-drained soils.
Hardiness: Ideal for mild climates, it tolerates temperatures down to -3°C, but requires well-drained and light soil conditions.
Soil requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, similar to that of the rockeries where it is found in the wild.

Horticultural uses and prospects
Use
Salvia dolomitica is particularly well-suited to rockeries, dry gardens, and shrub beds in regions with moderate winters.
It can be used in borders or as a background plant in Mediterranean or natural-style garden compositions.
It can also make an excellent choice for "wildlife" gardens, attracting bees and other pollinators with its nectar-bearing flowers.
Ornamental value
Its compact shape and delicate flowering make it an ideal plant to bring a touch of soft color throughout the fall.
The combination of its gray leaves and lilac flowers will create a beautiful contrast effect, particularly in borders or in natural gardens.

Gardener's tip: Growing Salvia dolomitica successfully
Exposure: Prefers exposure in full sun or partial shade, ideal in Mediterranean gardens and mild climates.
Soil: Plant it in well-drained, slightly calcareous or sandy soil. Soil that is too heavy or too wet could cause root problems.
Care:
Lightly prune in early spring to encourage dense growth and rejuvenate the plant after winter.
Watering should be moderate, especially during periods of active growth, to avoid excess moisture.
Wintering: In cold areas, protect the plant from severe frost, or grow it in a pot so that it can be brought indoors during the winter.

A little gem from the South African mountains
Salvia dolomitica is a sage of modest size, but its charm lies in its elegant flowering and its unique adaptations to poor and dry soils. Although it is best suited to mild climates, it is an ideal plant for Mediterranean gardens and rockeries, where its compact habit and delicate inflorescences will bring a subtle touch of color in late summer.