Biennial woody-based herb with flower stems to 1 m tall with large leaves in wide basal rosettes. Leaves broadly ovate to oblong, to about 20 cm long,10 cm wide, grey, woolly at first, margin irregularly toothed to lobed, stalk absent or short. Flowers in terminal, branching clusters of up to 10 verticillasters, each of 4-10 flowers. Corolla to about 3 cm long, with a tube to 1 cm, mostly white, tinged with yellow or pink to mauve; spring to summer. Needs good drainage.

S Europe, N Africa

Leaves large in wide grey basal rosettes, woolly at first.

Source: Garnett, L.; Ellis, G.; Spencer, R.; Templeton, S. (2002). Salvia. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.