Salvia spathacea, 10 seeds
This California native, though having the common name of Pitcher Sage, is really quite different from the shrubby species of Lepechinia. Salvia spathacea is a perennial that will flower first year from seeds. One of the very few plants that can grow well under the dry shade of an Oak tree, this unusual ability enables it to thrive where other plants wilt. Blooms in late winter/early spring, heavily staked out by the winter-hungry hummingbirds who 'dive' in as soon as the plant flowers. The pink blossoms with purplish calyxes are arranged in whorls up the stem, creating a columnar effect. Whole plant is covered with a layer of exquisite-scented oil. Hardy from zone 7 onwards. 3 feet tall and wide. Full sun to part shade, and any well-drained garden soils. Drought tolerant when established. Hard-to-find-outside-of-California seeds, harvested 06/2024.
