Salvia dorisiana: A fragrant sage in the heart of winter
Origin and discovery: A tropical treasure from Honduras
Salvia dorisiana is a large shrubby sage native to Honduras, Central America. It was first described in 1950 by the American botanist Carl Epling, a specialist in sages from the American continent. It was thanks to botanical explorations in the mid-20th century, a period marked by a renewed interest in exotic plants, that this species was introduced into European collections.
Epling named it in homage to Doris, an emblematic figure in botany or a close friend of the author, although the exact identity remains uncertain. Its discovery highlighted the floristic richness of Central America, and Salvia dorisiana quickly became prized for its unique fragrance and spectacular winter flowering.

Complete botanical portrait
Scientific name: Salvia dorisiana
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Honduras
General morphology
Salvia dorisiana is a large shrubby sage, with an upright shape and well-defined characteristics:
Height: Up to 1.5 meters
Width: 1 to 1.2 meters
Shape: Very vigorous, upright
Foliage: Soft green, aromatic
Flowering: It flowers in winter, generally from November to February. The flowers, pale pink in color, are small but very fragrant, which makes this sage a real delight for the senses.
Ecology and growing conditions
Salvia dorisiana likes heat and light, which requires growing it in special conditions:
Climate: It prefers mild climates, but being sensitive to cold, it must be grown in a veranda or frost-free greenhouse in cold regions.
Soil: Well-drained, rich and light.
Hardiness: Sensitive to cold, it is best grown in protected conditions, especially during the colder months. It can tolerate slightly cool temperatures, but nothing too extreme.
Care and pruning
Like all vigorous sages, Salvia dorisiana benefits from regular pruning to maintain a compact and neat shape:
Pruning: After winter flowering, prune the plant by removing 2/3 of its vegetation. This allows it to reform and prevent it from becoming too invasive.
Care: In a veranda or greenhouse, make sure to maintain a bright and relatively humid environment to encourage the growth of the plant. Outdoors, make sure it is protected from frost.
Interest and use in the garden
Fragrance: One of the greatest assets of Salvia dorisiana is its fragrance. Once it has finished flowering, the fragrance continues to be released from the leaves and stems, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Use: This sage is ideal for winter gardens, verandas and protected spaces. It can also be grown in pots, allowing it to be moved for the winter.
Aesthetics: Its upright shape and elegant flowering make it an ornamental plant of choice for sage collections or scented gardens.
History and curiosity
This species of sage was introduced to Europe as part of the botanical expeditions of the 19th century. It is often found in private collections or winter gardens, where it is cultivated for its fragrant flowering. It is also very popular with passionate gardeners for its exceptional olfactory qualities, whether outdoors or in pots in sheltered conditions.