Clary - Salvia sclarea - €4 per plant 

 A hardy herbaceous perennial that has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb, and grown for its essential oil. This stunning plant is interesting alone, as a specimen plant, or in a group, with exuberant plumes of blossoms and bright green foliage. Its great for dry sunny spots and provides resources for many insects, some of which help to pollinate crop plants. Its also noted to be good companion for beans, cabbage, carrots; the scent may repel pests and of course being from the Sage genus the leaves can be used for flavouring foods and drinks.
To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com.  

Context

  • native region: Southern Europe to Syria.
  • native habitat:Rocky igneous slopes, mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland, shale banks and roadsides.
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Pests and Disease

  • Seldom affected by pests or diseases

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a - 9b
  • Thrives on any ground that is not too wet.
  • Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet.

Known hazards 

  • none known

Overview

  • 10cm x 12cm  Plant bag
  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 1 m by 0.6 m
  • It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It cannot grow in the shade.
  • It prefers dry or moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: Herbaceous perennial   
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: Erect plant with many branched flower spikes
  • height x width (m): 1 x 0.6
  • years to bearing yield: 1
  • productive life span: 2-3yrs

Products and Uses

  • Leaf:Leaves - raw or cooked. A strong, warm, aromatic taste and odour. They are used mainly as a flavouring in cooked foods. The leaves can be dipped in batter and cooked to make delicious fritters.
  • Oil : An essential oil is obtained from the flowering stems. Called 'Muscatel oil', it has an ambergris aroma and is used in soaps, cosmetics, as a fixative in perfumery
  • Medicinal : anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, bactericidal.

Functions, behaviours

  • A ruderal plant taking advantage of bare soil and growing in very stony dry places.
  • Tap rooted
  • Quite competitive on dry sunny sites
  • Can hybridize with Meadow clary if on same site.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
If you would like this plant  please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project