The Nama sage is used as a perennial for summer displays. Use its fresh lime green foliage as a backdrop or foliage highlight amongst other perennials or fynbos. It will make an attractive rockery specimen.

S. namaensis grows well in pots with well-drained composted soils.

Young plants are planted out at the end of spring. Salvia namaensis is easily combined with most flowering perennials such as Lasiospermum bipinnatum, Selago species and Osteospermum jucundum or succulents and species of Aloe. They also contrast well with fynbos elements such as Restionaceae, Proteaceae and Erica species.

The fast growing plants get untidy after 2-3 years and need to be pruned back hard or lifted and replanted.

Salvia namaensis requires full sun with good drainage. It will survive with little water but responds well to regular watering, especially in summer. No extra feeding is necessary for strong, healthy growth although an occasional foliar feed would do no harm and the plants will tolerate feeding with organic or chemical fertilizers.

Young plants are easy to propagate from seed, cuttings or division of the creeping rootstock.

Sow seeds in late spring and early summer into general potting soil mix. Seeds germinate quickly and seedlings can be transplanted into well drained potting soil once the first pair of true leaves appears.

Take semi-hardwood tip cuttings in spring and summer. Cuttings must be without a terminal flowering bud. Place in rooting medium, 50% fine milled bark and 50% polystyrene (perlite, vermiculite and peat are alternatives). Place under mist or enclose in plastic bag to retain humidity. Keep warm but out of direct sunlight.

The hairy and aromatic leaves do not have any major pest, although mealy bug can settle down near the base of stems and leaves.