'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage (Salvia viridis Horminum) is a stunning, ornamental herb known for its eye-catching, showy pink flowers and lush, aromatic foliage. This variety of Clary Sage is cherished for its vibrant blooms, which add a splash of color to any garden. With its unique, two-toned flowers—pale pink at the base and deeper pink at the tips—'Pink Sundae' provides an attractive visual contrast when in full bloom. This hardy, easy-to-grow herb is perfect for pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, or even as a cut flower in floral arrangements. As a member of the sage family, 'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage also offers herbal benefits, making it a valuable addition to both ornamental and functional garden spaces.

Key Features:

• 50 High-Quality Seeds: This packet contains 50 premium 'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage seeds, allowing you to grow several vibrant plants in your garden.
• Vibrant Pink Blooms: The plant produces stunning, two-toned pink flowers that appear in spikes, creating a dramatic and elegant display in the garden.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers of Clary Sage are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to support local wildlife and create a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Aromatic Foliage: The fragrant, silvery-green leaves add a pleasant herbal scent to your garden, complementing the colorful flowers and making the plant a delight to the senses.
• Medicinal and Culinary Uses: Traditionally, Clary Sage has been used in herbal remedies for its calming and digestive properties. The leaves and flowers can be used to make infusions and teas, while the plant can also be used for its essential oils.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: 'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. It can tolerate partial shade but will produce fewer flowers.
• Soil Preferences: This herb prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Clary Sage is tolerant of a variety of soil types but thrives in loamy, nutrient-rich soil with good drainage.
• Planting Tips:
  • Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Lightly press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Germination typically occurs in 10-14 days.
  • Outdoor Planting: After the last frost, sow seeds directly outdoors in well-drained, sunny locations. Space the seeds 8-12 inches apart to allow for the plant’s mature size. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, then water regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Watering Needs: Clary Sage prefers moderate watering. It should be watered regularly during the growing season, but it doesn't like to sit in waterlogged soil. Once established, the plant is somewhat drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, especially in hotter weather.
• Temperature: This plant is best suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. It prefers warm temperatures and can withstand light frost, but it should be protected from extreme cold.
• Fertilizing: Clary Sage doesn’t require heavy fertilization. A light application of organic fertilizer or compost in the spring will support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning and Care: Regular deadheading (removal of spent flowers) will help promote new blooms and extend the flowering period. Additionally, cutting back the plant in late fall can help maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth in the spring.

Benefits:

• Attractive to Pollinators: The brightly colored flowers of 'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an essential addition to any garden aimed at supporting pollinators.
• Beautiful Ornamental Plant: With its vibrant, two-toned flowers, silvery foliage, and upright growth habit, this plant adds elegance and charm to any garden or landscape.
• Low Maintenance: Clary Sage is easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established. Its drought tolerance, ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, and resistance to pests make it a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
• Herbal Uses: The leaves and flowers of Clary Sage have been used in traditional medicine for their calming, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. The essential oil derived from the plant is also valued for its soothing properties.
• Cut Flower and Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting flowers of Clary Sage make it a wonderful cut flower, adding vibrant color and texture to floral arrangements. Its unique blooms and sturdy stems make it ideal for both fresh and dried arrangements.

Growing Zones:
'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. It is well-suited for temperate climates and can be grown as a perennial in these zones. In colder regions, it may be grown as an annual.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Pollinator Garden: Plant 'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage alongside other nectar-rich plants like lavender, echinacea, and bee balm to create a pollinator haven.
• Cottage and Herb Gardens: This ornamental herb fits perfectly in cottage gardens and herb gardens, where its attractive flowers and aromatic foliage provide both beauty and function.
• Border Planting: Due to its upright growth habit, Clary Sage works well as a border or edging plant, creating vertical interest in flower beds or pathways.
• Cut Flower Garden: Grow 'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage in a dedicated cut flower garden to harvest the beautiful blooms for bouquets, arrangements, and dried floral projects.
• Wildflower Meadows: This Clary Sage variety can be a stunning addition to a wildflower meadow, adding color and visual appeal while supporting pollinator populations.

Conclusion:
'Pink Sundae' Clary Sage (Salvia viridis Horminum) is a stunning and versatile herb that brings both beauty and functionality to your garden. With its vibrant pink flowers, aromatic foliage, and easy-to-grow nature, it’s a perfect addition to flower beds, herb gardens, or pollinator-friendly landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this hardy, low-maintenance plant is sure to brighten your garden and provide an excellent source of cut flowers, herbal benefits, and natural beauty for years to come. With 50 high-quality seeds in this packet, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to grow this show-stopping herb in your garden.