Wild Clary
Salvia verbenaca

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Salvia verbenaca is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

In Britain it is found wild in sand dunes at Vazon Bay in Guernsey and in Jersey. In Europe it is found in dry grassland, avoiding acid soils and shade.

Mediterranean region to Spain, France and Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - raw or cooked. They are most often used as a flavouring in cooked foods. They are aromatic. The young leaves can be eaten fried or candied. A herb tea is made from the leaves, it is said to improve the digestion. Flowers - raw. A flavouring in salads.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The seed forms a thick mucilage when it is soaked for a few minutes in water. This is efficacious in removing small particles of dust from the eyes.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rich soil. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet. This species is well suited to the wild garden, growing well in the summer meadow. A good bee plant. 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. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. clandestina. S. controversa. Willk. non Ten. S. horminoides. Pourret. S. marquandii.