Salvia glutinosa aka Jupiter's Distaff

Salvia glutinosa is a perennial in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Common names include sticky sage and Jupiter's distaff. Its native range runs from Europe east to Iran. It grows in temperate regions, including parts of the Caucasus. In the wild, it grows among scrub and moist deciduous woods. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant forms upright, bushy clumps. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread reaches about 1.6 feet [0.5 metre]. The RHS gives two to five years to reach full size. Its mid-green leaves feel sticky and have an oval shape. They can reach about 0.66 feet [0.2 metre] long. The RHS lists the foliage as evergreen. Pale yellow flowers bear brown marks and form loose spikes. Flowering dates differ between the sources. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms in May and June. The RHS gives summer through early autumn.

Grow sticky sage in sun or partial shade. It prefers moist soil that lets excess water drain away. It can also cope with dry shade. Suitable soils include chalk, loam, and sand. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. The RHS recommends a sheltered site. Chicago Botanic Garden gives its water needs as moderate. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. Chicago lists USDA zones 5–8. These ratings use different systems and should be read separately.

Sticky sage suits borders, woodland edges, and ground-cover planting. It also fits cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and containers. Plants For A Future suggests spacing ground-cover plants about 2.5 feet [0.75 metre] apart. It describes the plant as useful for covering large areas. Chicago reports that it draws birds and butterflies. That source also lists resistance to deer. Cut off old flower spikes to extend the bloom season. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Spring is also the time to divide established clumps.

Slugs, capsid bugs, rosemary beetles, and leafhoppers may attack it. Possible diseases include powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and root or foot rots. Honey fungus is a less frequent risk. The aromatic leaves have a limited food use: flavouring country wines. The plant also yields an aromatic gum, but its uses remain unclear. Plants For A Future records no known medicinal uses or hazards. That report does not establish safety for pets or all uses.