Salvia Sclarea Turkestanica

Turkestan clary forms a bold basal rosette of large, wrinkled, strongly aromatic grey-green leaves. In its second year, tall branching stems rise with tiers of small pink and white flowers surrounded by conspicuous papery lilac bracts, producing a shimmering architectural display. Bees and butterflies crowd the nectar-rich spikes, which are also excellent for cutting and drying. A biennial or short-lived perennial, Salvia sclarea var. turkestaniana thrives on sunny, free-draining ground and often reappears naturally from seed after the parent has flowered.