Plantidote of the Day 2012-06-11

Salvia canariensis

Canary Island sage

A big, luscious shrub for anyone Zones 8 through 10. These plants seem to bloom for months, which makes the butterflies and bees happy. They're also fragrant and easy to grow. If you have a sunny spot, this sage can easily grow as high as 7 or 8 feet tall. This one, which is in a botanical garden, is at least that big and just as wide. At some point during its blooming season, the entire bush is covered in purple flowers -- and yes, it's awesome!

The only drawback is that the plant is short lived, according to online sources, lasting only a few years. One commenter also mentioned that it has invasive tendencies, and recommended keeping an eye on the seedlings so they don't escape or something. There, you've been warned!

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Readers, please send twig (twig4now@gmail.com) images and stories for the ongoing Plantidote of the Day series. In exchange, you'll win undying fame in the form of a hat tip! Plants growing in your garden, your house, or neighbor's yard, plants from the forest or farmers' market, plants you preserved, plants you prepared (wine; cider; tea; dried beans), plants you harvested (grains; chantrelles), plants you picked (flowers), plants you dried (herbs), plants you covet or hope to grow someday. Herbal remedies, propagation tips, new varieties, etc.. And if you can, include some solid detail about the plant, too -- a story, the genus and species, or where you got the seeds, or the recipe, or your grandmother gave it to you. Or challenge us with a "Name That Plant" mystery entry ... And please feel free to add corrections and additional information in the comments.

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