The Salvia species is not native to Germany, but can survive well outdoors. The plant should only be protected in harsh winter months so that it survives the period undamaged. To ensure survival, you can cultivate clary sage in a bucket.
Is clary sage hardy?
Cly sage is hardy down to -15 degrees Celsius. Young plants can be more sensitive in the first year. For optimal protection against frost and moisture, cultivation in a bucket is recommended. Additional winter protection such as brushwood, straw or bark mulch can help at lower temperatures.
Origin
Cly sage is a mint family and originally comes from the Mediterranean region. Here the species grows in forests and on rocky slopes. It inhabits roadsides and fields. Although it grows in regions with mild winters, it occurs up to altitudes of 2,000 meters. Here it was able to adapt to frosty winter temperatures, which made the plant easier to cultivate in Central Europe.
The species feels comfortable in this location:
- sunny place
- wind-protected location
- well-drained and sandy soil
Care
Despite adapting to sandy substrates, clary sage likes slightly moist soil. Once it has settled into the garden, you can leave the plant to fend for itself. In long dry periods, the mint family requires additional watering. If you grow the plant in a pot, you need to water it regularly. The substrate dries out more quickly in the pot. Additional fertilization is not necessary as clary sage has low nutrient requirements.
Wintering
Newly purchased young plants should not be planted directly outdoors as they are very susceptible to cold temperatures in the first year. In the second year they can be placed outside to develop the inflorescence. Plants that germinate outdoors usually cope better with outdoor conditions and do not necessarily have to be cultivated in pots.
Ingrown specimens prove to be hardy down to temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius. If the thermometer continues to fall, winter protection is recommended for the survival of the perennial. Cover the leaf rosette with brushwood, straw or bark mulch. Wetness can also be a danger. Make sure the substrate does not become waterlogged during the winter months.
pot culture
In order to get the clary sage safely through the frosty winter, cultivation in a bucket is recommended. Place the pot in a frost-free place in autumn. Temperatures of around ten degrees Celsius are ideal. Moisten the substrate occasionally to prevent the roots from drying out.
