About
Salvia pratensis, the meadow clary, is a clump-forming, woody-based perennial with wrinkled, oval leaves to 20 cm long and erect stems bearing long spikes of violet-blue, rarely pink or white, flowers 2�3 cm long in early and midsummer. A beautiful and ornamental native perennial for a sunny, well-drained border or meadow.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope Russia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade
PruningCut back flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots