Sageleaf Buttrtflybush

Buddleja salviifolia

$24.00
Low Stock

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 7-9

Sage-Leaf Butterfly Bush – A South African Beauty with Noble Foliage

Buddleja salvifolia, the Sage-Leaf Butterfly Bush, is a medium to large evergreen shrub hailing from the wild, sun-soaked hillsides of South Africa. Though exotic in origin, it has proven remarkably hardy in southeastern U.S. gardens, withstanding winters at the University of Georgia’s trial gardens in Athens with a quiet resilience.

In late spring to early summer, this bold yet refined shrub produces airy clusters of pale lavender flowers—modest in fragrance, but subtle and soft in tone. Yet it is not the bloom, but the foliage, that captures the imagination.

Cloaked in long, sage-like leaves, softly textured and silvered beneath, Buddleja salvifolia offers a visual poetry few shrubs can rival. As the esteemed Dr. Michael Dirr once noted, “All visitors to our trials have become enamored with the foliage.” Indeed, this is a plant as much for the connoisseur as for the common gardener.

Photos courtesy of Jullian Sutton and John Wursten.

Plant it in a sunny location with well-drained soil, and allow it space to grow into its natural form. This shrub lends itself to dry borders, Mediterranean-inspired gardens, or as a stand-alone specimen where its form and texture can be fully appreciated.

Native Range: South Africa

Growth Habit: Medium to large shrub; upright and architectural

Landscape Use: Specimen shrub, dry gardens, wildlife gardens, texture contrast

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart

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Grown for Success
Propagated at Woodlanders

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Shipping
Expertly packed & shipped in 2-4 biz days

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 7 - 9
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 10 - 12 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 8 - 10 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Dies back

Flower/Foliage

Flowers: Pale lavender panicles; bloom in late spring to early summer

Foliage: Long, sage-like, textured; gray-green above, silvery beneath

Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Soil Preference: Well-drained; drought-tolerant once established

Light Needs: Full sun

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.