Salvia viridis 'Blue Monday'
annual clary (syn. blue-flowered)
An easy and vigorous annual that produces spires of small flowers, which are encased in very showy, clearly-veined, rich blue bracts. Salvia viridis 'Blue Monday' makes excellent and long-lasting cut flowers and will also hold its colour well when dried and added to more permanent displays inside the house.
How to care for Salvia viridis Blue Monday:
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.
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 deep and 30cm 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 apart to give each plant space to grow.
Avoid sowing too thickly as overcrowding encourages mildew and reduces airflow.
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 apart to give each plant space to grow.
Avoid sowing too thickly as overcrowding encourages mildew and reduces airflow.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
0.25m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 180 seeds
was £2.79
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