Lancelot Canary Island Sage

Lancelot Canary Island Sage (Salvia canariensis 'Lancelot') is a silver leaved flowering shrub about 1.2m high and 0.8 to 1m wide. Tall stems carry purple flowers in plum maroon calyces for a long season. It copes with heat and low rainfall, which makes it a strong choice for a waterwise garden.

Why you'll love it

• Silver foliage all year. The soft grey leaves hold their colour in every season, so the plant earns its space even between flushes of flower.
• A two toned flower. Purple blooms emerge from plum maroon calyces on tall stems, a combination that reads well from across the garden.
• Heat and drought resistant. Heat tolerant, and in the wild it manages on about 250mm of rain a year, so it suits dry gardens.
• Feeds pollinators for months. The long blooming season keeps bees and other pollinators supplied with nectar.
• Shrub or perennial. In year round warmth it grows as a shrub, while in cold climates it behaves as a herbaceous perennial and returns each spring.

Where it works best

Waterwise and low rainfall gardens. Plant 80cm apart in a sunny, free draining bed with lavender, rosemary and native grasses.

Borders and cottage gardens. At 1.2m it suits the middle or back of a border, behind lower salvias and daisies. An 80cm spacing lets the plants just touch.

Pots and tubs. A large pot in a hot, exposed spot gives it the sharp drainage it likes.

Growing Lancelot Canary Island Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and semi arid gardens. Protect it from hard frost, and in cold districts mulch in winter to keep the soil warm. It may die back in a cold winter and regrow in spring.

Soil. Light, free draining soil is the one real requirement. On heavy clay plant on a low mound or in a pot.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then ease right off. Overwatering is the common mistake with this plant. Feed in spring with a slow release fertiliser, and give it a boost of seaweed tonic in the summer heat.

Pruning. Clip over lightly after flowering to encourage fresh growth and more flowers. A light trim keeps the plant tidy without stressing it.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lancelot Canary Island Sage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to fill a long border, and the 140mm pots give a more developed plant. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants travel upright and settle fast. Plant out soon after delivery, water in well and mulch the soil, then step back on the watering once it is growing.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our salvia range
• More drought tolerant plants
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• A guide to creating a waterwise garden

Common questions

How much water does it need?

Regular water for the first 12 weeks or so, then very little. Established plants do best when the soil dries between drinks.

Does Lancelot die back in winter?

In year round warmth it stays a shrub. In cold climates it behaves as a herbaceous perennial, so frost may cut the top growth, and it regrows when the weather warms.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. Use a free draining mix in a pot at least 300mm wide, put it in full sun and water only when the top of the mix has dried.