Sand Sage

Sand Sage (Salvia lanceolata) is the salvia for gardeners who want something a little unexpected. It grows to about 1m high and wide, with soft grey foliage that smells of lemon and pepper when crushed and tubular flowers in a dusky pinky brown. It is also tough, thriving in hot, dry, windy and sandy sites where fussier plants struggle.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage worth touching. Brush the grey leaves and they release a lemon and pepper scent, so the plant earns its spot beside a path or doorway.
• Unusual flowers. Pinky brown tubular blooms sit against grey leaves, a colour pairing few other salvias offer.
• Edible leaves. The leaves are edible and can be used in the kitchen where you would use a lemon scented herb.
• Built for hard sites. Hot, dry, windy and coastal positions and poor sandy soils all suit it, and established plants come through a frosty night.
• Good for wildlife. The nectar rich flowers suit bees and nectar feeding birds, which is why it earns a place in wildlife gardens.

Where it works best

Cottage borders and mixed beds. At about 1m by 1m it works in the middle of a border. Plant 80cm apart so the grey mounds just touch without crowding.

Coastal and exposed gardens. Sandy soil, salty air and drying wind suit it, so it holds the line where a garden meets the weather.

Pots and tubs. A single plant in a large pot of gritty, free draining mix keeps the scented leaves within easy reach.

Growing Sand Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the best flowering in plenty of light. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens and dry inland districts. Established plants tolerate an overnight frost, but hard frost is another matter, so in cooler districts choose a sheltered spot and mulch over winter to keep the soil warm.

Soil. Light, very free draining soil is the key, and sandy ground suits it well. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound or in a pot, because wet roots are the quickest way to lose a sage.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, then let it dry out between waterings. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring and give it a seaweed tonic through summer heat.

Pruning. Clip over lightly after flowering to encourage fresh growth and more flowers. Avoid cutting back into bare old stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sand Sage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so plant it out soon after delivery, water it in and keep it mulched and moist through its first 12 weeks.

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 the full salvia range
• More drought tolerant plants
• Plants for coastal areas
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia

Common questions

Can I eat the leaves?

Yes, the leaves are edible, with a lemon and pepper flavour. Use them sparingly, like a strong herb, and keep the plant unsprayed if you plan to cook with it.

Will it handle frost?

An established plant tolerates an overnight frost. Hard or repeated frosts are harder on it, so in cold districts plant it in shelter and mulch in winter.

Does it suit a coastal garden?

Yes. Hot, dry, windy seaside sites suit it, provided the soil is light and drains freely.