Family: Mint (Lamiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 6 to 9

(Synonymous with Salvia atropatana?) Herbaceous perennial flowering purple in conspicuous whorls on multiple upright racemes to a height of 4 feet.  Endemic to the Kopet Dag mountains that make a double barrier between Turkmenistan and Iran. Very robust plants, a wide-leaved basal rosette giving way to the showy flowering spikes.  They flower in the first year.  Even compared to other sages, which tend to be pretty showy, this one is a knockout.  Bumblebees, honey and native bees feed on the nectaries within the long-lived blossoms.  Traditional uses (TWM):  Wounds, infections, inflammations.  Plant prefers full sun and is not particular about soil–will thrive in sandy grit, rockery, regular garden soil, wayside, or as a potted plant.  Drought tolerant once established.  Sow seeds just sub-surface in standard potting soil and tamp.  Keep warm and evenly moist until germination, which occurs in 1 to 3 weeks.  Work up in pots until sufficiently sized to transplant to the landscape.  Space plants 2 feet apart.
Packet of 10 seeds, certified organically grown