Salvia sclarea
Musketeer sage
Common names: Musk sage, Roman sage
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Salvia sclarea, commonly known as musketeer sage, is a hardy biennial shrub in the mint family. In its second year it produces large, branched inflorescences of pink to violet flowers. The plant emits a spicy, nutmeg‑like aroma that attracts bees and bumblebees. It features silvery, hairy foliage and tall flower spikes, making it an eye‑catching addition to perennial beds.
Care instructions
Plant in full sun on well‑drained, somewhat sandy or loamy soil. In the first year it forms only a basal rosette; water young plants moderately and avoid waterlogging. In the second year it sends up tall flower spikes; a post‑flowering prune keeps the plant compact and often encourages a shorter, second flush. As a biennial, the plant dies after seed set; leave a few plants to self‑seed if desired. In very cold sites, mulch with straw for winter protection; in milder climates it usually survives without additional protection.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lime-loving, lean, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
particularly well establishedYou will find that basil next to tomato and pepper improves taste and keeps whiteflies and aphids away.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 9 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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