Jupiter's Distaff, Sticky Sage
Salvia glutinosa
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia glutinosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Scrub and moist places in deciduous forests.
Europe to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The aromatic leaves are used as a flavouring in country wines.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
An aromatic gum is obtained from the plant. No details are given of an uses for this gum. Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 75cm apart each way. They are useful for colonizing large areas.
Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in any good soil in full sun or partial shade. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. During the summer the whole plant becomes covered in a tacky substance like a fragrant gum. This species has a running root system and can spread freely. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist