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Balkan Clary

Salvia nemorosa

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Lamiaceae (Dead-nettle)
Also in this family:
Annual Woundwort, Apple Mint, Basil Thyme, Bastard Balm, Betony, Bifid Hemp-nettle, Black Horehound, Breckland Thyme, Bugle, Catmint, Common Calamint, Common Hemp-nettle, Corn Mint, Corsican Mint, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle, Cut-leaved Germander, Cut-leaved Selfheal, Downy Woundwort, False Apple Mint, Field Woundwort, Garden Catmint, Garden Clary, Ginger Mint, Ground Ivy, Ground-pine, Gypsywort, Hedge Woundwort, Henbit Dead-nettle, Horse Mint, Lamb's-ear, Large Thyme, Large-flowered Hemp-nettle, Lemon Balm, Lesser Calamint, Lesser Skullcap, Limestone Woundwort, Marjoram, Marsh Woundwort, Meadow Clary, Northern Dead-nettle, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pyramidal Bugle, Red Dead-nettle, Red Hemp-nettle, Rosemary, Round-leaved Mint, Selfheal, Sharp-leaved Mint, Skullcap, Somerset Skullcap, Spearmint, Spotted Dead-nettle, Sticky Clary, Tall Mint, Variegated Yellow Archangel, Wall Germander, Water Germander, Water Mint, White Dead-nettle, White Horehound, Whorled Clary, Whorled Mint, Wild Basil, Wild Clary, Wild Thyme, Wood Calamint, Wood Sage, Yellow Archangel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
45 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland, meadows, sand dunes, woodland.

Flower:
✿
Purple, 2 petals
 
Balkan Clary produces tall, striking flower spikes densely packed with small, tubular flowers, typically in shades of violet-blue, though pink and white forms exist. Each flower has a hooded upper lip and a more spreading lower lip, characteristic of the sage genus (Salvia). Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer (usually June to August). The inflorescences can reach up to 60 cm tall and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Fruit:
The fruit of Salvia nemorosa consists of a small cluster of four smooth, brown nutlets enclosed within the persistent calyx. As with other members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), these nutlets are the result of a single ovary splitting into four chambers. The seeds ripen in late summer and can be dispersed by wind, gravity, or through attachment to animals.
Leaves:
The leaves of Balkan Clary are aromatic and oblong to lanceolate in shape, with gently toothed margins and a rough, crinkled texture. Lower leaves form a rosette at the base, while smaller, stalkless leaves ascend the square, upright stems. The foliage is mid- to dark green and covered with fine hairs, giving it a somewhat greyish appearance in dry conditions.
Fragrance:
The leaves of Salvia nemorosa release a pungent, herby scent when crushed—less sweet than culinary sage (Salvia officinalis), but distinctly aromatic. The flowers also emit a light, pleasant fragrance, particularly attractive to bees. The plant’s aromatic qualities contribute to its use in herbal borders and wildlife gardens.
Other Names:
Wood Sage, Woodland Sage.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Similar Species

Garden Clary
Garden Clary

Sticky Clary

Whorled Clary

Other Information

Summary

Salvia nemorosa, also known as wood sage or woodland sage, is a perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and is found in grassland and woodland habitats. The plant has violet or blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early autumn. It grows to be about 60 cm (2 feet) tall and prefers well-drained, moist soil. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and it is also used medicinally for its astringent and expectorant properties. The essential oil of Salvia nemorosa is used in aromatherapy and perfumery.

Blog

Balkan Clary (Salvia nemorosa) is a beautiful and versatile perennial plant that is native to the Balkans and parts of Central Europe. It is an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking to add a pop of color to their gardens. The plant produces clusters of delicate, two-lipped flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers come in a range of colors including pink, blue, purple, and white, and they are sure to attract a variety of pollinators to your garden.

The Balkan Clary is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant can grow to be about 30-90 cm tall, and it has a compact, bushy form that makes it an ideal choice for borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover. The leaves of the Balkan Clary are fragrant and can be used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Balkan Clary is also a great choice for gardeners who are looking to create a low-maintenance garden. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much watering once established. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a reliable and long-lasting addition to any garden.

If you are looking to add some color and fragrance to your garden, the Balkan Clary is a great choice. It is easy to care for, and it will reward you with its stunning blooms for many years to come. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the Balkan Clary is a plant that is sure to impress.

Aside from its beauty, Balkan Clary is also a valuable addition to any garden due to its versatility. The plant can be used in a variety of garden designs, such as cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, or herb gardens. In a cottage garden, the Balkan Clary can be used as a backdrop for taller plants, or as a border along a path. In a butterfly garden, the plant's nectar-rich flowers will attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. And in an herb garden, the plant's fragrant leaves can be used for culinary or medicinal purposes.

If you are looking to extend the flowering season in your garden, consider planting a variety of Salvia nemorosa cultivars. The Balkan Clary is available in a range of colors and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Some popular cultivars include 'Ostfriesland', 'Blue Hill', and 'Caradonna'. Each cultivar has its own unique characteristics, such as taller or shorter stature, or differently colored flowers, so be sure to do some research to find the one that is right for you.

When planting Balkan Clary, it is important to choose a location that offers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The plant should be spaced about 30-45 cm apart to allow for proper growth and to prevent overcrowding. To encourage a more abundant display of flowers, be sure to deadhead the spent blooms regularly.

In conclusion, Balkan Clary (Salvia nemorosa) is a stunning and versatile perennial plant that is sure to add beauty and fragrance to any garden.

It's also worth mentioning that Balkan Clary is a great choice for gardeners who are looking to create a sustainable garden. The plant is low-maintenance, which means less watering and less use of pesticides and fertilizers. This not only benefits the environment, but also saves time and resources for the gardener. Additionally, Balkan Clary is a great plant for wildlife, providing nectar for pollinators and leaves for browsing herbivores such as deer and rabbits.

When it comes to design, Balkan Clary is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into a variety of styles. In a cottage garden, the plant's delicate blooms and fragrant leaves create a charming and romantic atmosphere. In a modern garden, the bold spikes of flowers add a touch of contemporary sophistication. And in a wild garden, the plant blends seamlessly with other native plants to create a natural and harmonious environment.

Another important aspect of Balkan Clary is its versatility in cut flower arrangements. The plant's long spikes of flowers hold up well in arrangements, and the leaves can also be used to add fragrance and texture. This makes Balkan Clary an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking to create a cutting garden or to incorporate cut flowers into their indoor décor.

In conclusion, Balkan Clary (Salvia nemorosa) is a plant that offers beauty, versatility, and sustainability. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this stunning perennial is sure to bring joy to your garden for many years to come. So why not add Balkan Clary to your garden today and enjoy its beauty for yourself?