Salvia spathacea
A Californian native, this can spread rapidly by underground rhizomes. 3ft. flowering stems appear above the sticky foliage
at any time from late spring to mid-summer, and the deep red flowers are in whorls, like those of other Californian salvias.
It is reputedly hardy to -10 degrees, but good drainage in winter is essential. I once kept this plant in a large pot
over-winter in the greenhouse, where it remained evergreen, and flowering started in April. There are several forms of S.
spathacea cultivated in the USA, a particularly good one is 'Kawatre'
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