Annual clary (Salvia viridis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Annual clary on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Annual clary
Salvia viridis, commonly known as Annual Clary or Painted Sage, is an annual herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, valued for its brightly colored bracts that surround small, inconspicuous flowers. These bracts, which can be purple, pink, or white, make it ideal for adding a vibrant touch of color to flowerbeds, borders, and cottage gardens. Its appeal lies more in the colored foliage than in the flowers, creating a lasting effect in the garden.
Native range
Mediterranean region, from Southern Europe to North Africa and the Middle East.
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for optimal development of its colored bracts, although it tolerates light partial shade. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, as it is susceptible to overwatering. It needs well-drained soil, preferably fertile and slightly alkaline; avoid heavy and compacted soils. A common mistake is planting it in deep shade, which will result in less colorful bracts and leggy growth.
How to save a dying Annual clary
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves not dry, soft and black stems.
- First aid
- Remove plant from pot, inspect roots for rot. Trim damaged roots. Repot in fresh, light substrate. Drastically reduce watering.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its main killer. It doesn't tolerate waterlogging or heavy soils.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't severely affected the stem base. Act quickly.