The flower of Clary sage, Salvia sclarea, Muscat sage. by Marjolein Zijlstra

Salvia sclarea, Dutch name Scharlei, clary sage, is a biennial plant in the lipflower family.
It is a hairy herbaceous plant with square stems native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. In the Netherlands and Belgium the plant is used as a garden plant, in the Middle Ages Scharlei was used in the production of beer. The advent of Hops has supplanted the use of Scharlei.
Salvia sclarea is an imposing plant with a special scent that not everyone likes. Basically, Salvia sclarea is a biennial plant, but if the flower stalks are pruned in time after flowering, this scarlet can also be kept well. In the first year, Salvia sclarea forms a rosette of green-grey leaves. In the second year, a flowering stem with lilac, lip-shaped flowers grows from this in the months of June to July. Salvia sclarea prefers a sunny position in dry humous garden soil.
Clary sage has a long history as a medicinal plant. From the Celts, through the Middle Ages to today, parts of the plant are used as medicine. Another application is addition of Scharlei to wine by winemakers. Lesser wines are transformed'with clary sage'into genuine, high-quality muscat wines. Oil is also distilled from clary sage. The spicy, sweet fragrance of clary sage oil is said to have a clarifying effect and could stimulate vivid dreams. Vapourisation of Clary is also said to give reduction of cough symptoms for respiratory problems. So Clary Sage, not only beautiful for the wall, but also a great plant for the garden. The butterflies and bees will thank you.