Salvia glutinosa

Salvia glutinosa, also known as sticky sage, is a large herbaceous perennial that forms an upright and ramified bush with entirely sticky and aromatic vegetation. In summer, it displays branched inflorescences composed of pale-yellow flowers with a brown streaked heart. It is a wild-spirited mountain plant that is very adaptable and will easily thrive in cool areas, creating bright spots in slightly shaded areas of the garden.

Salvia glutinosa belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Native to Eastern Europe, it is found growing in undergrowth, at high altitudes, often in shade, and in limestone soils. Its species name refers to the sticky and adhesive nature of the entire plant. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that reaches about 1m (3ft) in height and 50cm (20in) in diameter, with a bushy and ramified habit. Flowering occurs in July-August, in the form of branched inflorescences, each bearing 2 to 6 well-spaced pale-yellow flowers streaked with brown on the inside. They measure 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in length, which is a beautiful size for a sage flower. The floral stem is covered with sticky glandular hairs, which sometimes trap small insects. The leaves are deltoid, deciduous, toothed, pointed, hairy and glandular, and are also quite sticky to the touch. As soon as the first frost arrives, the foliage dies down and the plant develops dormant buds, waiting for spring. It is a long-lasting plant that easily self-seeds in light soil.

At first glance, Salvia glutinosa is not a showy plant with bold effects. It is a flower with subtle and wild charm that will thrive in the gentle shade of undergrowth or on the edge of shrub bushes. Its presence, however, is highly appreciated in slightly wild areas or near water sources, as it easily colonises space without maintenance. To imitate nature, it can be planted with hostas (Hosta 'Fortunei Aureomarginata'), Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora'), ferns (Dryopteris affinis), foxgloves (Digitalis mertonensis), foamflowers (Tiarella cordifolia, T. Ninja), and Japanese anemones for colour. Along its borders, saginas (Sagina subulata, S. subulata 'Aurea') can be planted.