Photo of Salvia sclarea flower, form by Panayoti Kelaidis

Photo by Panayoti Kelaidis

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Salvia sclarea

Also Known As

  • Clary Sage

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

  • H: 3'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 4a-10b

More Options

Salvia sclarea plant details

Salvia sclarea is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial herb with blue and green foliage. In summer lavender and white flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salvia sclarea

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Flowers: lavender and white blooms in summer
Uses: cottage garden, fragrant, medicinal, rock garden, self-sowing, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salvia sclarea

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Perennial or biennial to 4' when flowering. Square stems are covered with hairs and oil glands that account for its long history of cultivation. Rough, gray-green leaves are 6-12" long, saw-toothed, and strongly aromatic. Flowers are white to lilac in big, branching clusters to 3'. Grows rapidly in spring, blooming in early summer. Best in full sun, with good drainage and low nutrient soils. Regular garden water for vigorous growth. Used commonly since before the birth of Christ, its essential oils are still highly regarded for medicinal purposes as well as in perfumes, wines, vermouths and liqueurs. Hardy to below 0F. Europe to Central Asia and North Africa.
“A must for every garden,” says Penelope Hobhouse. This robust & beautiful medicinal plant has large wrinkled leaves & bears 3’ upright candelabra spikes of lilac & white flowers. Showy bracts & calyces are responsible for the overall iridescent effect. The bloom period breaches the late Spring to mid-Summer gap nicely. Intense musk-like fragrance. Reseeds!

Gardening facts about Salvia sclarea plant

How to Grow Salvia sclarea

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • fuzzy
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