Salvia japonica
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia japonica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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): 0.8
Where it is found
Woods and thickets in hills and mountains, C. and S. Japan.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Children suck the flowers (for the sweet nectar?). The leaves are used as a flavouring, they are a sage substitute.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A black dye is obtained from the plant, probably from the flowers.
How it is grown
Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. 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. 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; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist