Salvia aethiopis: A herbaceous perennial coming from European Mediterranean areas. Flower stems 30-60cm H. Large white flowers, large felty leaves. Very similar to S. argentea.
Salvia aethiopis has large silver felty leaves with acute lobes, growing in a rosette formation, this makes a wonderful sight at the front of the border. Being herbaceous, it is winter dormant, appearing in spring again.
Flowers appear on one or two central stems in a panicle formation in late spring, through out summer, well above the foliage. Large white falcate shaped flowers, often tinged with yellow or pale green markings as a guideline for insects. Seeds are large, in the calyces in pseudo whorls around the stem.
Leaves are large and grey, similar to S. argentea, but not as woolly or felty. Leaves have very pointed lobes, often erect, rather than flat against the ground. Very striking in appearance.
Salvia aethiopis is a tough, summer hardy perennial that also tolerates frosts. Although snails love the leaves, rabbits and other animals leave it alone due to its unique fragrance/ smell.
It is best planted en masse as a ground cover in a grey/ white garden or as a border, making a wonderful contrast to other green or dark coloured plants, proving to be a worthwhile plant for any perennial garden..
Most often propagated from seed. Not often for sale