Salvia mellifera

Commonly known as 'Black Sage', this drought-resistant Californian species is rarely seen in the UK. Like many other Californian salvias, it is difficult to get this into flower here, beacuse of the wrong weather conditions in spring. Even in a heated greenhouse, the dark and gloomy days of late winter are likely to prevent flowering buds from forming. This shrub will grow up to 4ft. and has aromatic small leaves. The tightly packed flowers form several glomerules on each stem. Photo courtesy of Michael Charters.