Buddleja salviifolia is a large, semi-evergreen shrub, multi-stemmed, with untidy, drooping branches, that grows up to 4m high under favorable conditions

The species is relatively common in cultivation; moderately frost hardy and tolerant of dry soils, It is very decorative when in flower. If pruned often, it makes an excellent hedge.

Sagewood can be propagated easily from seeds and cuttings. The fastest way of propagation is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings can be taken during the active phase of growth and must be treated with a root stimulating hormone powder. Cuttings should be planted in washed river sand and kept moist for three to four weeks.

Rooted cuttings can be planted in nursery bags in a well-drained growth media. Young plants must be protected from frost for the first season whereas well established sagewood can withstand frost and drought. Sagewood grows easily in any soil, but adding compost will give better results.

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

The distinctive leaves, with their rugose upper surfaces, bear a resemblance to those of sage, hence the specific epithet. The leaf is sessile to shortly petiolate, the blade narrowly ovate to narrowly oblong, long acuminate to an acute apex, and cordate at the base.

The inflorescences are terminal conical panicles approximately 12 × 8 cm, with occasional auxiliary heads appearing in autumn. The flowers range in colour from white, through cream and mauve to purple; the corollas relatively short, at just 4 mm.

This small tree is deliciously scented in early spring. However, the most striking feature of the flowers is considered to be their scent, judged by some to the best of all the buddlejas, and even bearing comparison with Chanel perfume.

The Sagewood attracts many pollinators including several species of fly.