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Salvia sclarea ‘Vatican White’ (Clary Sage)

Clary Sage 'Vatican White', Europe Sage 'Vatican White', Biennial Clary 'Vatican White', Muscatel Sage 'Vatican White'

Salvia Sclarea 'Vatican White', Clary Sage 'Vatican White', Europe Sage 'Vatican White', Biennial Clary 'Vatican White', Muscatel Sage 'Vatican White',

Adding a cool but colorful effect in the garden, Salvia sclarea ‘Vatican White’ (Clary Sage) is an arresting plant of great beauty. This biennial or short-lived perennial forms a basal rosette of strongly scented, large, gray-green leaves that remain attractive throughout the growing season. In late spring, its nicely branched stems are topped with a profusion of very showy inflorescences of tubular, two-lipped, pure white flowers. Although the flowers are quite small, they are subtended by papery, brilliant white bracts that attract attention. Adding a cottage flavor to the garden, this sage thrives on neglect and always creates real drama when in peak bloom.

  • This erect, multi-branched perennial grows in bushy clumps up to 2-3 ft. high (60-90 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm).
  • Perfect addition to perennial borders, herb gardens, coastal gardens, city gardens, cottage gardens or containers. Combines beautifully with yellow Achillea (Yarrow), Papavers or interspersed with roses. Very useful and adaptable in the garden, it is easy to grow.
  • Easy to grow, Salvia clarea enjoys full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils.Moist, sandy or gravelly soils with good drainage are preferred! Intolerant of high heat and humidity. Avoid wet soils in winter.
  • Drought tolerant and deer resistant, it is a real magnet for butterflies and bees!
  • Generally disease free. Watch for slugs, snails and leafhoppers.
  • Often dies after flowering. Do not remove flowers to allow desired self-seeding.
  • Propagate by seed, in pots in a cold frame in spring. Alternatively sow in situ in spring
  • Salvia sclarea is currently listed as an invasive weed in the State of Washington.

Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Here are some tips on how to plant and grow salvia successfully

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 10
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, Clary Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Salvia nemorosa ‘Perfect Profusion’ (Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Orange (Sage)
Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewel Lavender’ (Scarlet Sage)
Salvia ‘Little Kiss’ (Sage)
Salvia involucrata ‘Bethellii’ (Rosy-Leaf Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Pink (Sage)

Recommended Companion Plants

Alstroemeria ‘Flaming Star’ (Peruvian Lily)
Papaver orientale ‘Manhattan’ (Oriental Poppy)
Rosa Bonica® (Floribunda Rose)
Achillea ‘Moonshine’ (Yarrow)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 10
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, Clary Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salvia (Sage)
Guides with
Salvia (Sage)
Not sure which Salvia (Sage) to pick?
Compare Now

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