Salvia sclarea var. turkestaniana syn. Salvia turkestanica, Salvia sclarea 'Turkestanica'

There are many types of Salvia. They can be annual, biennial, or perennial herbs, and woody subshrubs. The leaves are sometimes toothed or pinnately divided. The flowering stems bear small bracts, and in some species the bracts are ornamental. Some Salvias have hairy leaves or stems or flowers, and these hairs sometimes give off an aroma when brushed as oil is secreted. The flowers of Salvia are usually tubular with two "lips" - the lower one larger than the upper one - and often fragrant. Salvia sclarea is a species Salvia and is a biennial, or a short lived perennial. It is native from the Mediterranean to central Asia. It has thick square stems covered in tiny hairs, and big oblong wrinkled green foliage which is aromatic. It's common name is the Clary Sage. It likes well drained soil, with some moisture and will like sun, although it will survive in partial shade. In its first year, it often grows a rosette of leaves, and in the second year in summer it produces flowers on verticils, which are pink and white, often with lilac bracts. In colder climates, the plant then often dies after flowering but it can live longer in warmer climates. It can be easily grown from seed. Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica is a natural form of the specieis and has pale violet blue blossoms and large pinkish white bracts.

Contributed by @carolecuttingitfine

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  Full sun to partial shade

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  Very little water

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  Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)

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  Free draining