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Salvia radula
Salvia radula
Salvia radula

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Salvia radula

(Scrappy African Sage) Although not well known in U.S. nurseries, this fragrant sage with luminous white flowers is highly desirable for hot, sunny areas in USDA Zones 8 to 10. Native to the botanically rich mountains of South Africa, it grows at elevations up to 6,200 feet.
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. Scrappy African 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. 8 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 24"+/24"+/26"+
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. 2 to 3 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
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  • Salvia radula
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Scrappy African Sage) Although not well known in U.S. nurseries, this fragrant sage with luminous white flowers is highly desirable for hot, sunny areas in USDA Zones 8 to 10. Native to the botanically rich mountains of South Africa, it grows at elevations up to 6,200 feet.

Scrappy African Sage is a herbaceous perennial that is closely related and similar in appearance to Salvia disermas, another white-flowered South African species. "Scrappy," as well as the scientific appellation "radula," refer to the roughness of this drought-tolerant sage's hairy, lance-shaped leaves.

Growing anywhere from 2 to 5 feet tall with an average spread of 3 feet, Scrappy African Sage needs well-drained soil and prefers average watering depending on local conditions. However, it is ideal for dry gardens where it can be used in borders and for edging paths. It is also a longtime medicinal herb in South Africa and the subject of medical research concerning its anti-malarial and anti-bacterial properties.

The climate in much of South Africa is Mediterranean, which means wet winters and dry summers. So Scrappy African Sage grows particularly well in similar coastal climates. We highly recommend this sage for its beauty, toughness and adaptability to a new home by the sea.

Many thanks to Brent Barnes for this fine photograph.