Salvia semiatrata is a shrubby perennial from the mountains of Mexico. It is quite slow growing and has a bushy habit. Although it is not grown that much in Australia it is very popular along Mediterranean coast of France and Italy where it is grown alongside Lavender.
The leaves are bright to mid green, deltoid (triangular) in shape with a wrinkled surface and hairy underside.
Whorls of pretty, bi-coloured flowers with a lavender upper lip and deep violet lower lip. The calcyes are magenta in colour, they and the upper lip of the flowers are covered with fine hairs and droplets of essential oils. The oils make the flowers and calyces sticky and these tend to stick to your clothes as you brush passed.
Flowering season is during summer and autumn with rest periods bewteen each flush of flowers.
Salvia semiatrata is a wonderful addition to garden borders and because of its size is also suitable for pots and patios. Like most Salvia it does not like humid damp conditions so ensure there is good air circulation around the plant and the soil is fast draining.