Amateur Gardening

Shall I keep this?

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QPlease can you tell me what this boring monstrosit­y is and whether it’s worth keeping or digging up? To be honest, if it’s not going to brighten up, its days are numbered!

Mimma Copeman, via email

AThis could be a perennial salvia. Its furry stem and leaves are characteri­stic of this section of the genus and striking tubular flowers should appear when the plant is mature.

It may not be hardy so, if feasible, pot it and overwinter it in a frost-free greenhouse or spare room.

Next season, just transfer it to a sheltered, sunny spot outdoors in early June. If it is a salvia, it will delight you for most of summer.

 ??  ?? Salvias are worth keeping for their flowers
Salvias are worth keeping for their flowers

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