Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens (clary) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens is a clump-forming or bushy, upright perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens grows best in full sun, and tolerates light loam and sand or chalk soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species. It is native to Central Asia.

About

Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens is a perennial clary with aromatic, often felted foliage and upright flowering spikes. It forms a clump to about 1.0 m and flowers from June to September. The blooms are carried in large bracts and are typically white with pink flecks on this plant. Give it a sunny, sharply drained spot on neutral to alkaline soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia sclarea

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

In the garden

Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens is a perennial member of the Lamiaceae from Central Asia, cultivated for its aromatic, textured leaves and prominent flowering spikes. Plants reach around 1.0 m and produce bracts and corollas that on this form are usually white with pink flecks, the display lasting from June to September. Plant it in full sun on a light loam, sand or chalk where the soil is neutral to alkaline and drains sharply; winter wet is the usual cause of loss. A south- or west-facing, sheltered position reduces exposure to cold and drying winds. Depending on the form, hardiness varies: shrubby types sit in the H3–H5 range (borderline to hardy in UK terms), while the hardier herbaceous forms fall between H6 and H7 (very hardy to fully hardy); the USDA range is 5–10. Use Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens where its aromatic foliage and long season of flowers will be noticed—sunny herbaceous borders, gravelly or lime-rich beds and sheltered south- or west-facing edges suit it well. Avoid heavy winter soils and give plants sharply drained conditions; the large bracts and late-summer flower spikes are the most distinctive seasonal feature.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species

Plant details

Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Height: 1.0 m
Native to: Central Asia
Fragrance: Foliage

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens

Cultivation: Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.
Pruning: Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.
Propagation: Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.
Pest resistance: Aromatic foliage deters most pests; capsid bug and leafhopper occasionally cause spotting.
Disease resistance: Robust in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and root rot appear only where the soil stays wet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens?

Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens?

Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens need?

Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens grows best in light loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss.

How do I prune Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens?

Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.

How big does Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens grow?

Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens hardy in the UK?

Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia sclarea turkestanica of gardens?

Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →