Whorled clary (Salvia verticillata)
Whorled clary (Salvia verticillata) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Whorled clary (Salvia verticillata).
This plant has several common names including: whorled clary or whorled blue sage.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: whorled clary, whorled blue sage
Scientific name: Salvia verticillata
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Coastal, Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Hedging & Screens, Wall-side Borders
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Whorled clary (Salvia verticillata) – Meneerke bloem, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Whorled clary (Salvia verticillata), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Whorled clary (Salvia verticillata) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Salvia verticillata likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Whorled clary (Salvia verticillata) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Whorled clary (Salvia verticillata) – Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
