Wild clary (Salvia verbenaca)
Care, watering, light and tips for Wild clary on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Wild clary
Salvia verbenaca, also known as Wild Clary or Iron-sage, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is characterized by its spikes of blue-violet flowers, emerging from square stems, and its lobed, often toothed leaves. This plant is an excellent choice for naturalistic gardens, rockeries, or as ground cover in dry areas, attracting pollinators.
Native range
Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia
Care tips
This salvia prefers full sun for abundant flowering, though it can tolerate some partial shade. It is a very drought-tolerant plant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent rot. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or stony soils and is quite adaptable to different pH levels. A common mistake to avoid is overwatering, which can be fatal to its health.
How to save a dying Wild clary
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves from bottom, soft stems, general wilting. Flowers not opening or dropping.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Ensure good ventilation and direct sun. Remove damaged parts to prevent spread.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, leading to root rot. Also excessive shade or lack of direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and main stem is still firm. Act quickly.