Salvia lavandulifolia

Salvia lavandulifolia, also known as Spanish sage, is a small woody herbaceous perennial that is native to Spain and southern France. It thrives in rocky soil within Maquis shrubland and is often found growing alongside rosemary, Lavandula lanata, and Genista cinerea. This compact subshrub or woody-based perennial reaches a height and width of about 60cm. It features narrow, lanceolate, whitish-gray evergreen leaves that are less than 50mm long, growing opposite each other on the stem in bunches. When the leaves are rubbed, they release oils that emit a fragrance reminiscent of rosemary. These oils are commonly used for scenting soaps. In late spring and early summer, S. lavandulifolia produces spike-like racemes of pale lavender flowers, around 25mm long. The flowering stems have few flowers, which are spaced apart in whorls. Some varieties of this plant possess a dark calyx. The overall appearance of this Spanish sage is characterized by its reclining habit, grey-green downy leaves, and vibrant violet-blue flowers.