Lepechinia salviae

Lepechinia salviae

This perennial plant is often mistaken for a Salvia. It has large, grey-green textured leaves shaped like arrowheads; they have a sharp medicinal - though not unpleasant - scent. From late February to May it sends up long spires of burgundy flowers, held in dark calyces on deep pinkish stems. Mine grows to about 1.5m tall and I cut it back hard at the end of winter, when new growth appears at the base. From what little I have been able to find out about it, it possibly originates in Chile and is a member of the Lamiaceae family of plants. There are other species: I have grown Lepechinia hastata in the past, a winter-flowering version, which I did not like as much as L. salviae.

Lepechinia salviae with Iresine herbstii cultivar and Salvia guaranitica Large Form

Lepechinia salviae with Iresine herbstii cultivar and Salvia guaranitica Large Form

It looks at home grown among Salvia specimens (especially blue-flowered ones) and other denizens of a semi-tropical border. I have mine growing nearby a very dark purple-brown form of Iresine herbstii, which echoes the dark calyces of the Lepechinia blooms. I grow Brillantaisia behind it and this forms a long-lasting composition through late summer and autumn. I grow my specimen in sun, with reasonable soil, but it can survive in a poorer position, and I have heard that it can flower in a part-shade position. Propagation is by cuttings, which may be slow to strike. Don't cover the cuttings - place in shade and keep reasonable moist. The plant also may self-seed; these plants can be easily dug up and repotted, and given to those who admire it in your garden!