Salvia confertiflora, the Sabra spike sage, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Brazil. This herbaceous perennial reaches in height, and spread in one season, becoming shrubby at the base with age.[1]
The dark green leaves, with a yellow undertone, are about 7inches long by 3.5inches wide, with serrated edges, and with velvety red-brown hairs on the petiole and stem of the new leaves. The leaves bear a sage scent. The inflorescences are covered with velvety red-brown hairs, with the stems and the calyx also having a red-brown color. The flowers are orange-red, and very profuse, explaining the epithet confertiflora, or "crowded with flowers". The plant grows so large that it needs staking and protection from wind in gardens.[2]
The plant is cultivated as an ornamental in temperate and tropical horticulture. As it does not tolerate freezing temperatures, it requires protection in cold temperate zones, and a sheltered position in full sun.[1]