Buddleja salviifolia (L). Lam.

Buddleja salviifolia is a semi-evergreen bushy shrub that grows up to 4m high. An example of this tree can be found bordering the gardens at the Main Entrance to Steenbok Nature Reserve.

Its long narrow leaves are dark green, wrinkled and puckered above and densely covered with whitish or brown hairs below.

Masses of small, white to lilac blooms are borne in large panicles (a loose branching, cluster of flowers). The flowers are sweetly scented and vary in colour from dull to clear white to almost true purple. Flowering occurs in spring, from August to October.

Interesting facts:

Buddleja was named in honour of the Rev. Adam Buddle, an English botanist of the 17th century. The species name ‘salviifolia‘ refers to the leaves that resemble those of Salvia farinacea.