Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Salvia Spathacea--Hummingbird Sage--Lamiaceae



This is a well-loved sage with flowers that come in two colors; pale yellow and deep pink. People who live in north Berkeley are always looking for deer resistant plants, and sages fit the bill. Deer don't like the strong flavor of sages. Many plants have a scent that is too harsh for me, but this one smells sweet and pineapple-y. This one is nice because of the big flowers that attract hummingbirds. It is easy to grow, and can tolerate both full sun and full shade. It needs no water once established. It spreads by rhizomes. Usually I don't want the plants I write about, but I want this one! It would be perfect under my oak!

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