Meadow Clary Sage
Meadow clary sage is a perennial flower known for its spikes of purple flowers in early summer. The green leaves form a short rosette. The flower stalks hold numerous deep purple flowers that bloom from the bottom of the spike upward. It is a drought-tolerant choice.
Meadow Clary Sage
Meadow clary sage is a perennial flower known for its spikes of purple flowers in early summer. The green leaves form a short rosette. The flower stalks hold numerous deep purple flowers that bloom from the bottom of the spike upward. It is a drought-tolerant choice.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Salvia pratensis
Pronunciation
SAL-vee-uh pray-TEN-sis
Mature Height
2 to 3 ft.
Mature Spread
2 to 3 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
purple
Bloom time
early summer
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
Europe
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,000 ft.
Performance
Meadow clary sage has been growing at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden for many years. The individual flowers have a large "hood" compared to other salvias. The stalks of flowers are very attractive when in bloom, with larger flowers-- but fewer flowers per stalk-- than May night sage.
The leaves are not as attractive as more recent cultivars of salvia. It also spreads by seed.
Maintenance
Remove spent flowers stalks. Cut old stems and leaves to ground level in early spring.