Becky, this is a perennial here in MI, it is super easy to grow, you can't really kill it. I got started with this plant free off craigslist, every year I divide it up, give some away and expand my flower garden. Likes full sun, drought tolerant as well. easy peasy plant!
I second all of that on Russian sage. Mine thrive every year despite our seemingly neverending drought. I don't ever water mine or really worry about them at all except to cut them way back before spring growth begins. But just FYI, I also have some catmint that is really easy and self-sufficient, but it is a different (though similar) plant. The Russian sage has a very strong (and good) scent. The catmint is less odorous, but both attract a lot of bees.
We had a very early spring here, 90's in March! It sure seems to have kicked things into gear here! Iforgot to mention that these smell really nice too, kindy minty actually. Love them.
I pulled mine up early this spring, and I am sorry I did. I need that purple to give some depth to my front garden. But it was getting so out of hand.Taking over the whole garden!
Becky, check if they have catmint. From the early blooms and the smell Beverly described, I think this photo may be catmint. My catmint is in full bloom, but not the sage yet. Also, sage has a very strong and distinctive, non-minty smell.
As I said above, both are beautiful and easy to grow, and they look similar but they are different plants.
Thanks for the info Steve G. We are so lucky to have a former nursery owner working for the Lowe's near my home. End result is that she always understands exactly what I'm looking for when I go in. I will however begin checking on Catmint, although I must admit I've never seen any in all my plant shopping in my end of the town. After 2 years of serious winter freezes, the economy and now drought, it seems many stores/nurseries are not carrying as large a variety of plants as they have before.......understandable, but disappointing.
Becky, many varieties of nepeta do not seem to do well in Florida, but Nepeta cataria, or the true catmint, is one that does. You're very right about the declining situation for nurseries. That's why it's so important to support the ones that are still around.
I never know for sure what it is, Russian Sage or Catmint.....whatever it is I love it! Thanks for the info folks, I guess I have catmint..lol! My cat likes it!
Use a rubber band and tie it around the stems...so that it will stay tight when they dry....put it somewhere cool...dry...and dark! You can also buy some silica pellets and dry it in the microwave...it'll keep it's color!!!
As I said above, both are beautiful and easy to grow, and they look similar but they are different plants.