Salvia viridis is an easy-going annual grown for its vivid bracts rather than its small, understated flowers. Upright stems carry papery, leaf-like bracts in shades of pink, blue and white, creating a soft, layered look that works beautifully as a filler between bolder plants.
It’s a great choice for sunny, well-drained spots, thriving in lighter soils and coping well with dry conditions once established. Ideal for weaving through borders or dotting into pots, it adds height without heaviness and mixes effortlessly with other summer performers.
Low maintenance and quick to establish from seed, it’s a reliable way to build colour and texture into seasonal displays.
How to care for Salvia viridis:
Water regularly to help young plants establish, but once settled, clary is fairly drought-tolerant. Deadhead faded blooms to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding if not wanted.
This annual doesn’t need feeding, but a light mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid heavy, wet soils and overcrowding, as this can lead to poor growth and fungal problems.
Sowing instructions:
Sow direct where it’s to grow in mid to late spring, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Choose a sunny, well-drained site and rake the soil to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills about 3mm (¼in) deep and 30cm (12in) apart.
Lightly cover with soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist during germination, which usually takes 1–3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to around 20–30cm (8-12in) apart to give each plant space to grow.
Avoid sowing too thickly as overcrowding encourages mildew and reduces airflow.
If you want earlier colour, you can start clary under glass in spring. Sow the seeds shallowly in seed trays filled with good seed and keep at 16-18°C (61-64°F). When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out and pot on individually into small pots to grow on. Gradually harden them off before planting out at 25cm (10in) intervals in a sunny, well-prepared bed. When watering, it is best to give the plants a really thorough soak when the soil gets dry, rather than applying a little water every day.
