This has been one of my favourite salvias since   it was  introduced  from South Africa late last century.

Lanceolata has greyish green smallish evergreen foliage on a slow growing shrub. The flowers are a muted pink which has been well described as dull rose.  Whatever it is called,  the colour blends well in a garden.

This plant is somewhat similar to its African cousin africana lutea but lanceolata flowers in the warmer months and africana lutea has its odd burnt orange flowers late winter onwards.

After fertilisation the calyx expands to accommodate the seed and is a pretty pink colour thus extending the colour period.

Lanceolata probably prefers full sun but will perform well enough with a little shade.  It will be less than a metre for a couple of years unpruned.

Price:   $9