SALVIA glutinosa

Description

Salvia glutinosa

Height x Spread: 75cm x 45cm 

This is one of those plants that every gardener should know about, as although it grows well in good soil within a sunny position, it also tolerates partial shade and a dry soil, even under trees.  Naturalistic in form, from mid summer into early autumn its tall stems are packed with pale yellow flowers each delicately marked with brown, arranged in whorls or horizontal hoops that contrast with its soft hairy grey-green foliage.

Hailing from the Himalayas as its common name 'sticky clary' suggests, both the flowers and leaves are slightly sticky to the touch.  Much beloved by bees and other pollinators, it will happily self-seed gently wandering around the garden.  A great choice for a wildlife garden, its fragrant flowers and foliage would also lend themselves to a sensory garden.  Another bonus - deer are said to dislike it.