Salvia africana lutea or Salvia aurea - Golden Sage, Beach Sage, Dune Sage
Salvia africana lutea has these large orange/root beer colored flowers and to me they are the reason to grow this plant. With these folowers the Golden Sage looks truly exotic. Salvia africana lutea is native to the Cape region of South Africa. The Golden Sage is tender. Plants were damaged in the high 20°s or low 30°s F. Salvia africana lutea prefers a well drained soil and drying periods between irrigation cycles. The flowers are huge for a sage at more than one inch long. Salvia africana lutea will take full sun but my best performing plant was in light shade. This sage is still often refered to by its old name, Salvia aurea. Salvia africana lutea is used medicinally to make a tea to induce a sweat. Salvia africana lutea is a good addition to the hummingbird garden and the butterfly garden.