Salvia pratensis
meadow clary
Salvia pratensis is a native clump forming perennial that flowers throughout the summer. Long spikes of violet-blue flowers (however sometimes the flowers can be variable -either pink or white), are held on erect stems above large basal leaves from early summer.
This perennial wildflower is perfect for a wilder section of your garden, but will still look good in a cottage garden border, and is loved by bees.
This perennial wildflower is perfect for a wilder section of your garden, but will still look good in a cottage garden border, and is loved by bees.
How to care for Salvia pratensis:
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, incorporate some garden compost to aid establishment and water well until settled. Once established, this hardy perennial is relatively drought tolerant and requires only modest maintenance.
Remove spent flower spikes as they fade to encourage further blooms and help keep plants looking tidy. After flowering, plants can be lightly trimmed to promote fresh growth and, in some cases, a second flush of flowers.
In spring, apply a light mulch of garden compost around the base of the plant, taking care not to cover the crown. Avoid overly rich soils and excessive feeding, as this can encourage soft, floppy growth. Leave the old stems in place over winter for added interest and wildlife value, then cut them back to the base in early spring as new growth emerges.
Remove spent flower spikes as they fade to encourage further blooms and help keep plants looking tidy. After flowering, plants can be lightly trimmed to promote fresh growth and, in some cases, a second flush of flowers.
In spring, apply a light mulch of garden compost around the base of the plant, taking care not to cover the crown. Avoid overly rich soils and excessive feeding, as this can encourage soft, floppy growth. Leave the old stems in place over winter for added interest and wildlife value, then cut them back to the base in early spring as new growth emerges.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
