Meadow Clary, Introduced sage
Salvia pratensis
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Salvia pratensis 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 3. It is in flower from July to August. 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.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
A rare native in Britain, growing in old grasslands over chalk and limestone.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Serbia, the Crimea, Bulgaria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The pungent, bitter flavoured herb has been used as a flavouring in beers and wines. It is also used as an adulterant of sage.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Requires a good well-drained soil. Hardy to about -25°c. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. Well suited to the wild garden, growing well in the summer meadow. Plants have stout stems and require little if any staking. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. There are many named forms selected for their ornamental value.
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;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist