Salvia microphylla Cerro Potosi

Salvia microphylla 'Cerro Potosi' is a variety of shrub sage that has a unique presence, both in a border and in a large pot on a terrace. This vigorous and bushy variety is adorned with striking magenta pink flowers during a long period from spring to autumn, depending on the climate and soil moisture. They enliven its semi-evergreen foliage composed of leaves large enough for the species but especially endowed with a unique menthol fragrance. Moderately hardy, it is nevertheless robust and only requires a very well-drained, even poor soil, in sunny or partially shaded exposure to flourish. Place it near a pathway, where you won't miss brushing against its fragrant foliage.

Salvia microphylla 'Cerro Potosi' is a beautiful selection derived from a botanical shrub species called Graham's Sage. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the mountains of the east, west, and south of Mexico, as well as southern Arizona.

'Cerro Potosi' is a perennial and woody plant that is well-branched and has a bushy and spreading habit, slightly wider than it is tall. This variety will reach a minimum of 90 cm (35.4 in) in all directions. Its nectar-rich flowering is particularly generous, especially in autumn from September to November if the cold does not put an end to it. In soil that remains moist, this sage will flower from June-July until October-November. The elongated flowers emerge from the foliage, grouped in spikes on dark stems. The stems are of an almost black-violet shade. The flowers measure no more than 2 cm (0.8 in) in length and are adorned with a vivid pink-red colour. They only live for a day, covering the ground with their petals in the evening, but will already be replaced the next morning. The semi-evergreen foliage is composed of small ovate leaves with serrated edges, of a fairly tender green. They are thick and aromatic, slightly sticky, and release with heat an essential oil with a strong menthol and acidic smell.

This sage stands out from afar and brings any flower bed to life for almost 6 months. It works well alongside the spring blooms of rock roses, rosemary, and bellflowers. Planted with blue varieties (Salvia 'Blue Note', S. 'Bleu Armor') and tall thistles gives a simply fantastic display. In summer, it will look sublime next to the silver foliage of cotton lavenders, Helichrysum italicum, or shrubby wormwoods. Planting with autumn asters is fabulous: choose undemanding types, such as Aster laevis, A. turbinellus, or A. amellus, for example. Gauras, tall sedums (Sedum 'Matrona'), and shrubby potentillas will compose a charming tableau with it. On a terrace, place it in a large pot, right next to a Cape Plumbago; the colour combination is amazing!

In Mexico, a delicious tea is prepared with the leaves of this sage, which is called 'mountain myrtle' there.