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Spires of pink and white bracts crown this large-leafed salvia. It has been used as an herb since the Middle Ages and is currently used as flavoring for wines, vermouth, and liqueurs.

Latin Name

Salvia sclarea


Family

Lamiaceae


Type of Plant

Perennials Perennials
Herbs Herbs

Bloom Season

June - August

Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 4'
Max spread Max Spread: 3'

Uses

  • Flower Border
  • Herb
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Deer
  • Drought
  • Shallow-Rocky Soil

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Butterflies Butterflies

    Colors


    Native Range

    Europe to Central Asia


    History

    John Bartram of Philadelphia listed Clary sage in his 1770 catalog.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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