Salvia pratensis
meadow clary
A clump-forming, woody-based perennial with wrinkled, oval leaves to 20cm in length, and erect stems bearing long spikes of violet-blue, rarely pink or white, flowers 2-3cm long, in early and midsummer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe Russia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots
Get involved
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