Salvia madrensis: The light of the Mexican mountains
The discovery: a treasure revealed in the 19th century
Salvia madrensis owes its name and classification to the German botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth, a renowned collaborator of Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland. This species was collected and described as part of the great expeditions carried out in Mexico at the beginning of the 19th century.
Kunth, passionate about the richness of subtropical ecosystems, was amazed by this majestic sage, found on the slopes of the Mexican mountains. The name madrensis refers to the Sierra Madre mountain range, where this plant is endemic. At a time when Europe was burning with curiosity for the botanical treasures of the New World, this discovery illustrated the extraordinary diversity of Mexican flora.

A botanical portrait: luminous elegance
Scientific identification
Scientific name: Salvia madrensis
Family: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)
Origin: Subtropical mountain ranges of Mexico
Morphological description
Size: Imposing, between 150 and 300 cm, it rises gracefully in the massifs.
Shape: Bushy and arched, offering an airy and elegant structure.
Foliage
Color: Soft green, sometimes tinged with golden reflections in the light.
Texture: Slightly rough, but pleasant to the touch.
Shape: Oval to lanceolate, wide, with marked and decorative venation.
Flowering
Period: Mainly autumnal, often extending until the first frosts.
Inflorescence: Loose and long spikes, bearing bright yellow flowers.
Visual appeal: A burst of autumn light that contrasts with the purple-tinged bracts and stems, creating a striking display.
Adaptations and ecology
Natural habitat: Subtropical forests, often on well-drained rocky soils.
Preferred climate: Warm temperate, with good tolerance to temporary droughts.
Ecological particularities: Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, playing an important role in local ecosystems.

Gardener's tip: An autumn star
Exposure: It likes light, but tolerates light shade.
Soil: Prefers deep, humus-rich but well-drained soil to avoid asphyxiation of the roots.
Care: Prune in spring to remove dead stems and encourage vigorous growth. In cold regions, apply a thick mulch to protect the stump.
Use: Perfect as a background for mixed beds, associated with plants with purple or silver tones for a striking contrast.

Salvia madrensis, a true ray of autumn sunshine, is much more than just a garden plant. It embodies the botanical adventure of the 19th century and bears witness to the inestimable richness of Mexican flora. An invitation to plant a fragment of the mountain in your garden.