About

Buddleja salviifolia is a semi-evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 3 meters and features a graceful, arching growth form. Its leaves are lance-shaped, resembling those of sage, with a grey-green hue and a finely wrinkled texture. In spring or early summer, it produces narrow clusters of small, fragrant flowers that are pale mauve with an orange throat.

About the genus

Buddleja comprises evergreen and deciduous shrubs, and in some cases, it can also be found as small trees or scrambling climbers. The foliage consists of simple leaves, and the plants produce clusters of small, tubular flowers that emit a pleasant fragrance.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native to
E & S Africa
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Generally best grown by a warm, sunny wall in mild locations where it will produce better flowering. This South African species needs well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. See buddleja cultivation for more detailed advice
Pruning
Pruning group 2 after flowering
Propagation
Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, caterpillars, earwigs, figwort weevils, glasshouse red spider mite, leaf and bud eelworm, and mullein moth
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus, fungal leaf spot, and virus diseases