Clary Sage Vatican White seeds - Salvia sclarea

The Vatican White Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is a spectacular variety, with its large white inflorescences illuminating the garden in summer. This hardy and robust, biennial plant makes a big impact in borders and dry gardens. It is also valued for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Dought-tolerant and nectar-rich, this highly fragrant sage will delight gardeners looking for both decorative and useful plants. It readily self-seeds in the garden.

The clary sage, Salvia sclarea, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is a species native to the Mediterranean basin and Western Asia. In nature, it is found in rocky, well-drained soils, often on sunny slopes. The 'Vatican White' variety is remarkable for its large inflorescences adorned with large pearly white bracts. They create a beautiful contrast with its green foliage. Its leaves are fuzzy and toothed at the edges. The robust, branched floral stems can reach a height of 1.20 m and have a quadrangular section. The upright flower spikes, appear between May and August, depending on the climate. Although the plant is biennial, it readily self-seeds under favourable conditions. Allowing it to go to seed may lead to its death. To prolong its life a little, and prevent it from self-seeding everywhere, simply remove the faded inflorescences.

In Upper Provence where it is cultivated for essential oil production, clary sage escapes from cultivation. Its tall inflorescences can be seen emerging among lavandins. This scene can easily be recreated in the garden. Pair this 'Vatican White' variety with common sages, shrubby wormwood 'Powis Castle', and the vibrant blooms of bushy salvias (Salvia microphylla). This spectacular plant will also complement the flowering of old roses. If allowed to self-seed, it will quickly fill all empty spaces in borders. The leaves of clary sage can be safely used to flavour soups, meats, game, etc.

Long renowned for its medicinal properties, which earned it the name "all-good", clary sage is currently grown on a large scale in Provence for its essential oil used in phytotherapy and perfumery.