Blackcurrant Sage
Salvia microphylla
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia microphylla is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Not known
Southern N. America - Mexico to Guatemala.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The leaves have a pleasant scent of blackcurrant and can be used fresh or dried as a flavouring. A herbal tea, called 'mirot de montes', is made from the leaves.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
An infusion of the flowers and leaves have been used in the treatment of fevers.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a warm sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. This species is rather variable with a number of sub-species and cultivars of differing hardiness. The hardiest forms tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c and can be grown outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, though they are probably best grown in a cold greenhouse. When grown outdoors, the top growth will be cut back to the ground in cold winters but, if the roots are given a good mulch in the autumn, plants will often survive the winter outdoors and resprout freely from the base in the spring. The flowers are very attractive to bees, providing a good source of nectar. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist