Balkan Clary, Woodland sage
Salvia sylvestris
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia sylvestris is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Rocky slopes, dry meadows and rough ground.Rocky slopes in steppes, fallow fields, sloping meadows and waste ground, 1000 - 2300 metres in Turkey.
Europe to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The aromatic leaves are used as an adulterant for sage as a food flavouring.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position and a well-drained soil, succeeding in dry soils. Established plants are drought resistant. Hardy to about -20°c. If the plants are dead-headed after flowering they will normally flower again later in the summer. Plants have stout stems and require little if any staking. There are several named forms selected for their ornamental value. This species is well suited to the wild garden, growing well in the summer meadow. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season.
Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist