Cleistogama is an invalid synonym for Salvia verbenaca, which can best be described as a weed!!!! Found in many parts of Europe, including the UK, it is totally hardy, and dies back in winter, usually dropping loads of seeds which can appear all over the place. The first flowers will usually open, but they are very insignificant, after that, you don't see any more flowers, you just get seeds! Salvia roemeriana sometimes behaves like this also!

Hi Robin, are you sure? The only picture I found on the web is from Logee's, but no description. There is a picture on my seed packet (from a CA licensed nursery), which doesn't look much like verbenaca. Here is the description on the packet (where I previously overlooked stated origin = Lebanon/ Israel):

"Closed Sage. The name of this salvia indicates its somewhat strange self-pollination habits; since the flowers never fully open it has to rely on its own means to reproduce. The foliage is arrow shaped and forms a mound from which arise stiff stems carrying pale yellow flowers."

I checked my plant again, and I can see some sign of new life at the base, so it seems I may not have killed it! Maybe I should email the seller and find out the provenance of the seed. ;)

thanks for your reply!

Here is a link that might be useful: Logee's cleistogama

The image of S. cleistogama doesn't look right to me. I've found it to be not at all showy. The flowers self-pollinate at the bud stage, and produce a bunch of seed. It is similar to both S. verbenacea and S. tienshanica in that respect. At least S. roemeriana will morph back to the fully developed flowering form during cool weather.

S. horminum also has negligible flowers, but does have showy persistent bracts.