This reliable, long-flowering perennial sage is gracing the borders of the Autumn Garden.
The sage family Salvia contains over 1000 shrubs, herbaceous perennials, biennials and annual species from temperate and tropical zones of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas. Members of the genus are usually characterised by their square, angular stems, and opposite, often scented, hairy foliage, which may be entire, pinnate, toothed or notched. The flowers are formed of an erect, hooded upper lip, and a two-lobed lower lip, which are fused to form a funnel. S. greggii is an erect shrubby species originating from North America and Mexico which will overwinter in mild climates. It has small aromatic leaves and terminal racemes of purple flowers. ‘Icing Sugar’ grows to over 60cm in height and has bi-coloured, bright pink flowers with a hairy upper lip or hood, and a white throat. It produces flower from midsummer through to the first frosts.