Meadow clary (Salvia pratensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Meadow clary on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Meadow clary
Salvia pratensis, commonly known as meadow clary or meadow sage, is a robust perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe and western Asia. It is characterized by its striking spikes of deep violet-blue flowers that rise above wrinkled, green foliage, creating an attractive focal point in meadows, garden borders, or cottage gardens. It's an excellent choice for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Native range
Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
Salvia pratensis thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and prefers well-drained soil, ideally with a neutral to alkaline pH. It is a drought-tolerant plant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot, and excessive fertilization is not necessary; a light compost in spring is usually sufficient. To encourage a second flush of blooms and maintain a tidy appearance, deadheading spent flowers is recommended.
How to save a dying Meadow clary
- Warning signs
- Wilting or yellow leaves, soft stems, no blooms. May indicate over/underwatering or poor soil.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If soggy, improve drainage. Consider repotting if soil is heavy clay.
- What kills it
- Prolonged waterlogging is fatal for salvia. Also lack of direct sun or overly rich soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's a hardy plant. Act quickly to correct watering and sun exposure. Pruning damaged stems helps.