Lepechinia
hastata:
Very aromatic leaves and spires of red-purple flowers from July
onwards. Reaches about 3ft / 90cm tall and will grow in sun or part
shade. Said to be hardy in a sheltered position but we haven't fully
verified this yet.
We've also seen a very similar (identical?)
plant named as Lepechinia salviae. Visitors always ask "what's that
Salvia?" Take your pick, but under any name its a lovely and graceful addition
to the garden.
The plant is a
native of California and Hawaii and is commonly known as Pitcher Sage or
Pakaha.
The specific name, hastata,
refers to the leaf shape and means like a spear point, with flaring
pointed lobes at the base.
Propagation is by
cuttings, careful division or, most simply, by seed sown in early spring.