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Herbaceous Perennial

Salvia nemorosa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Balkan clary

A clump-forming, deciduous perennial up to 1m tall with heart-shaped to oblong, scallop-edged, rough leaves. Flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink or white are carried tightly along upright, branching spikes in clusters of up to six flowers from summer into autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Purple Pink Yellow Green
Autumn Blue Purple Pink White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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 to Russia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in spring. Best in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. Drought-tolerant once established

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

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