Salvia verticillata 'Alba' (whorled clary 'Alba') — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia verticillata 'Alba' 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. Salvia verticillata 'Alba' 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 Europe to western Asia.

About

Salvia verticillata 'Alba' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the mint family with aromatic, often textured or felted leaves. It flowers from June to September. Best grown in full sun on sharply drained light loam, sand or chalk in a neutral to alkaline soil and a sheltered, south- or west-facing position.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia verticillata

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 verticillata 'Alba' belongs to the Lamiaceae and originates from central Europe to western Asia. It forms a neat clump of mid-green, aromatic foliage that can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen depending on site and winter severity. Flowering occurs from June to September, when the plant produces its characteristic verticillate (whorled) flower spikes. Place it in full sun on a sharply drained soil such as light loam, sand or chalk and aim for a neutral to alkaline pH. Avoid winter waterlogging: winter wet is the usual cause of loss. A south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect suits it best; exposure to wind and persistent damp through the cold months reduces its longevity. In UK terms this species-level group is very hardy to fully hardy (H6–H7) and will also grow in USDA zones 5–10. Use Salvia verticillata 'Alba' towards the front or middle of sunny borders, on gravel or chalk banks, or in any drained, sheltered spot where its textured leaves and summer flowers can be seen close to eye level. Crush a leaf between fingers to release the aromatic scent and check microclimate suitability before planting.

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 verticillata 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia verticillata 'Alba'

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 verticillata 'Alba'?

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 verticillata 'Alba'?

Salvia verticillata 'Alba' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia verticillata 'Alba' need?

Salvia verticillata 'Alba' 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 verticillata 'Alba'?

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.

Is Salvia verticillata 'Alba' hardy in the UK?

Salvia verticillata 'Alba' 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 verticillata 'Alba'?

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 →