Buddleja salviifolia (L.) Lam.

Species and Growth Habit

Buddleja salviifolia (L.) Lam. is a large, multi-stemmed, semi-evergreen shrub with untidy, drooping branches that typically grows to a height of 4 to 8 meters.

Bark Characteristics

Its bark is grey-brown and stringy.

Shoot Morphology

Shoots are quadrangular in cross-section, and covered in a dense reddish-brown indumentum.

Leaf Naming Origin

The species' distinctive leaves have rugose upper surfaces, and resemble the leaves of sage, which is the source of its specific epithet.

Leaf Morphology

Leaves are sessile to shortly petiolate, with a narrowly ovate to narrowly oblong blade, ending in a long acuminate to acute apex, and have a cordate base.

Inflorescence Structure

Inflorescences are terminal conical panicles measuring approximately 12 × 8 cm, and occasional auxiliary heads appear in autumn.

Flower Appearance

Flower colors range from white, through cream and mauve, to purple; corollas are relatively short, at just 4 mm long.

Flower Scent

The most notable feature of the flowers is their scent, which some consider the best among all buddlejas, and even comparable to Chanel perfume.

Hardiness Rating

This species is hardy to USDA zone 8.

Cultivation Prevalence

It is relatively common in cultivation.

Cultivation Suitability

Moderately frost hardy and tolerant of dry soils, it is grown in the United Kingdom, but its large size and ungainly growth habit, following the unfavorable 'bent hatstand' tradition of many buddlejas, mean it is only a suitable choice for larger gardens.

Collection Specimens

Several specimens are part of the NCCPG national collection held by Longstock Park Nursery, near Stockbridge in Hampshire.

Mislabeling Occurrence

Occasionally, it is mislabeled as Buddleja myriantha (a dissimilar Chinese species) in the UK and France.

Medicinal Use

In its native regions, decoctions made from this plant are believed to have various medicinal benefits.

Wood Use

The hard, heavy wood of Buddleja salviifolia has traditionally been used to make assegais and fishing rods.

Additional Uses

Additionally, the plant is used for fuel and hedging.