Wild Clary, or Salvia verbenaca, is a striking perennial wildflower native to the UK, known for its aromatic foliage and tall spires of violet-blue flowers. Flourishing in dry, sunny conditions, Wild Clary is a valuable species in meadow restoration and pollinator-friendly schemes. It is especially attractive to bees and hoverflies, making it a vital addition to biodiversity-focused planting.
With its compact but upright growth habit and long flowering season, Wild Clary brings structure and vibrant colour to wildflower plantings, borders, and habitat corridors. This drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in well-drained soils and low-nutrient environments, helping to establish naturalised meadows and rewilding spaces with minimal maintenance.
Features & Benefits
Rich violet-blue flower spikes from early summer
Loved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Suitable for meadows, road verges, sunny banks
Adds vertical interest and aromatic foliage
Latin Name:
Salvia verbenaca
Flowering Time:
May – August
Flowering Height:
30 – 60 cm
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
4.5kg per acre (11.12kg per hectare)
Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (September – October)
How to Sow & Preparation
Choose an open, sunny site with dry or calcareous soils.
Clear weeds and create a fine tilth on the soil surface.
Broadcast seed evenly—do not bury deeply.
Lightly firm soil using a roller or by treading.
Water during extended dry periods for establishment.
Allow natural overwintering for second-year flowering in perennial schemes.
About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been supplying top-quality native UK wildflower seeds for over 35 years. Serving councils, landscape architects, gardeners, and ecological contractors, the company is committed to enhancing biodiversity through reliable, responsibly sourced seed mixes and species. All seed is carefully tested for germination and purity, ensuring success across varied UK projects from urban parks to rural rewilding.

Attribute Detail
Latin Name Salvia verbenaca
Flowering Time May – August
Flowering Height 30 – 60 cm
Life Cycle Perennial
Sowing Rate 4.5kg per acre (11.12kg per hectare)
Sowing Period Spring or Autumn
Preferred Conditions Full sun, dry and well-drained soils
Pollinator Friendly Yes
Minimum Order Quantity 100g
Suitable For Wildflower meadows, dry grasslands, slopes, road verges, rewilding projects