Salvia pratensis
meadow clary
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: May to August
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
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 deciduous 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.
To prolong flowering, cut out spent flower spikes as soon as they start to fade, leaving foliage to mature into rich autumn tones. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.