Salvia verbenaca aka Wild Clary

Taxonomy

Salvia verbenaca, also known as wild clary or wild sage, is a tall perennial herb native to the British Isles, the Mediterranean region in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Near East, as well as the Caucasus. It can also be found as an introduced species that has naturalized in meadows in the Eastern United States. This mound-forming perennial has mid-green coarse textured foliage and hairy stems and branches that erectly sprawl out. The basal leaves are toothed and range from 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 3.9 in) in length. In mid-summer, it produces soft purple to violet flowers that attract pollinators, including bees. The flowers are bisexual and some are cleistogamous, meaning they self-pollinate. The plant prefers neutral and alkaline soils, full sun, and is noted for attracting wildlife. It is often used as a flavoring in foods and for making tea, and its flowers can be added to salads. To maintain the plant, it is recommended to remove the flower spikes as they fade. Overall, Salvia verbenaca is a useful and attractive plant that adds beauty to wild meadows.

Common names

Wild Clary, Vervain Sage, Wild Sage

How to care for Wild Clary

Difficulty

Wild Clary presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Wild Clary should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Wild Clary loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Wild Clary thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Wild Sage.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The Wild Clary is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Wild Clary should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Wild Clary’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia