Salvia mellifera hyb.
'Shirley's Creeper'

 

photo:aking1/flickr.com

A Salvia mellifera garden hybrid recommended to us by Betsy Clebsch, noted Salvia expert. It has the dark green & very aromatic foliage of “Black Sage” & the foliage contrasts nicely with the white flowers in the Spring. The flowers are very popular with bees & hummingbirds, but the strong-tasting foliage is not appealing to deer. The shrub does not really creep but mounds to 4-6' tall & wide on good soil, but like “Black Sage” you can create a denser plant by cutting it back by 1/3 after flowering. In any case it is a much appreciated shelter for birds. Due to its vigor, 'Shirley's Creeper' is particularly well suited as a bank cover, even under trees since it tolerates some shade. Tough as nails & extremely drought tolerant when established.

Anni J.
Propagator