Salvia ballotaeflora
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia ballotaeflora is a ANNUAL. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Dry places in coastal sage scrub in California.
South-western N. America - California to Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
An infusion of the aromatic flowering tops is used as a herb tea.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is only likely to succeed outdoors in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and pant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist