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Salvia chrysophylla
Salvia chrysophylla
Salvia chrysophylla
Salvia chrysophylla

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Salvia chrysophylla

(Golden Leaf Sage) A tinge of gold in its fuzzy, pebbled foliage gives Salvia chrysophylla its common name. Abundant lavender flowers with pale cream lower lips make it stand out in the landscape.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Golden Leaf Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 5 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 12"/18"/20"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
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  • Salvia chrysophylla
  • Salvia chrysophylla
Degree of Difficulty
Challenging
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is can be challenging to grow in conditions outside those in which it is found in the wild.
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(Golden Leaf Sage) A tinge of gold in its fuzzy, pebbled foliage gives Salvia chrysophylla its common name. Abundant, long blooming lavender flowers with pale cream lower lips make it stand out in the landscape.

However, it's the powerful health potential of this pretty plant that is bringing attention its way. Golden Leaf Sage contains essential oils that are the focus of scientific research about controlling bacterial microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus -- a pathogen that causes problems ranging from skin infections and toxic shock syndrome to food poisoning.

One possible use for this sage's oils may be to improve food preservation by reducing bacterial growth and oxidation. In Turkey, Golden Leaf Sage has also been used historically as a folk treatment for rheumatism.

It's likely that this sage's oils are what it unpalatable for deer.

Native to limestone slopes and meadows in Southwest Turkey, this full sun Mediterranean sage grows in the wild at altitudes from about 4200 to 7500 feet.

S. chrysophylla is a short perennial that tolerates cold, heat and drought. Similar to many rock garden plants, it prefers well-drained scree mixed with a bit of loam. So amend your soil if it isn't already gravelly.

Although not listed as an endangered species, this sage certainly is rare in American Salvia gardens. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens indicates that it was first published in 1885 in the Viennese publication Denkschriften Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften (Memorandum of the Imperial Academy of Sciences).