Annual Clary 'Blue Monday'

Salvia viridis 'Blue Monday' is grown primarily for its intensely coloured, violet-blue bracts rather than its actual flowers, which are small and relatively insignificant. This hardy annual is a fantastic 'filler' plant for UK borders, providing a long-lasting splash of cool colour that persists far longer than many traditional flowers. The upright habit and textured foliage make it a great companion for roses and other perennials. Growing to about 50-60cm, it is easy to cultivate and often self-seeds gently. It is very attractive to bees and other pollinators. It prefers a sunny site and well-drained soil but is generally unfussy. The stems are excellent for cutting and can also be dried for winter arrangements, retaining their deep blue colour well. Sow direct in spring for a summer display, or in autumn for earlier flowers the following year. Extremely reliable in the British climate.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.