Sage-Leaf Butterfly Bush
Buddleja salviifolia
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Buddleja salviifolia, the sage-leaf butterfly bush, is a medium to large evergreen shrub from the sun-soaked hillsides of South Africa, and despite the exotic origin the plant has proven remarkably hardy in southeastern gardens, coming through winters at the University of Georgia's Athens trials with quiet resilience.
In late spring and early summer the shrub carries airy clusters of pale lavender flowers, soft in tone and lightly fragrant. But the real draw is the foliage: long, sage-like leaves, softly textured and silvered beneath, a rare and quiet kind of beauty. As Dr. Michael Dirr once noted, "All visitors to our trials have become enamored with the foliage."
Sage-leaf butterfly bush also has a long life in South African folk medicine, an herbal tea and remedy in the home gardens of its native range. Grown here for the silvered foliage and the lavender bloom, the plant wants a sunny spot with well-drained soil and room to take its natural, upright, architectural form: a fine specimen, a texture contrast in a dry or Mediterranean-style garden, or a backbone for a wildlife planting.
Photos courtesy of Julian Sutton and John Wursten.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 7–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 10–12 Feet · Spread 8–10 Feet
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
Airy clusters of pale lavender, lightly fragrant flowers, late spring to early summer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.
- Traditional use only; not evaluated as a modern medicine
- Consult a healthcare professional before any medicinal use
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
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.
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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.