clary sage
Salvia sclarea
Producing a basal rosette of hairy and scented leaves the first year and flowers the second year, this deer-resistant biennial or...
approx 100 seeds
£2.99
available to order from autumn
1
Plant description
Producing a basal rosette of hairy and scented leaves the first year and flowers the second year, this deer-resistant biennial or short-lived perennial produces an essential oil used to flavour vermouth, wines and liqueurs. The pink to purple floral bracts remain showy after the white to mauve corollas fade and also attract beneficial insects including butterflies.
Eventual height & spread
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Salvia sclarea:
Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. When watering, it is best to give the plants a really thorough soak when the soil gets dry, rather than applying a little water every day.
Growing instructions:
In summer, sow the seeds shallowly in seed trays filled with good seed compost and when the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out and pot on individually into small pots. Plant out at 30cm intervals into a well-prepared, sunny bed with moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
