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Salvia verbenaca

Salvia verbenacafam. Lamiaceae
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Salvia verbenaca (Salvia verbenaca) — botanical photograph
Pl. 1C60 — Salvia verbenaca
Salvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenacaSalvia verbenaca
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Overview

Salvia verbenaca, commonly known as verbena sage, is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to a wide range of Mediterranean regions including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, and various islands such as Corsica and Cyprus, this plant thrives in a variety of climates. It can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and prefers light (sandy) or medium soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it suitable for both dry and moist conditions. Verbena sage is valued for its culinary and medicinal uses, with its edible parts including the flowers and leaves. The plant's light, airy habit can add ornamental value to gardens or landscapes. Verbena sage is known for its versatility, as it can be used as a condiment and brewed into a tea. Its introduction into regions such as Alabama, Argentina, California, and China demonstrates its adaptability. While the plant is not specifically noted for its drought-resistant qualities, it does benefit from well-draining soil and can tolerate some dry spells. Hardy in zones 5-9, it can be propagated through division or seed sowing. Although no specific compounds or benefits are listed, verbena sage's traditional uses suggest potential medicinal properties, though caution is advised when considering its use in any treatment or remedy.

Quick answers

What is Salvia verbenaca?

Salvia verbenaca, commonly known as verbena sage, is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to a wide range of Mediterranean regions including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, and various islands such as Corsica and Cyprus, this plant thrives in a variety of climates.

Compare with:Clary sage→Ruta graveolens→Thyme→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Stress Relief
stress
tincture
Historically used for calming the mind.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Salvia verbenaca thrives in well-draining soils that are light or sandy to medium in texture and prefers a slightly alkaline pH of 7.5–8. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from moist soil, especially during dry spells. This perennial plant requires full sun to partial shade for best growth. Hardy in zones 5-9, it can be propagated through division or seed sowing. The edible parts include the flowers and leaves, making it a versatile addition to both culinary and garden settings.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers

How to grow Salvia verbenaca for the first time

8steps

Start with Skip as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small Skip plant or seeds, suitable soil, and a container if planting in pots.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Skip in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5–8, ensuring it's light (sandy) to medium.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant Skip from containers into the garden or sow seeds directly where you want them to grow.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from extreme heat or cold.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide light (sandy) to medium soil and regular watering. Prune back after flowering for better growth next year.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune Skip regularly to encourage bushy growth, removing dead flowers and stems as needed.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough light, and waiting too long to prune.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

34 native · 29 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 34 native· 29 introduced
Europe15 regions
native (13)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceIrelandItalyNetherlandsPortugalRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (2)RomaniaUkraine
Asia4 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
introduced (2)ChinaGeorgia
Americas3 regions
introduced (3)EcuadorPeruUruguay
Africa8 regions
native (6)AlgeriaEgyptEritreaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (2)LesothoNamibia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Sinai, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, California, Cape Provinces, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, Free State, Maryland, Mexico Central, Mexico Southwest, New Jersey, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Norfolk Is., North Carolina, Northern Provinces, Pennsylvania, Tasmania, Virginia
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Salvia verbenaca (Salvia verbenaca) — botanical photograph
Salvia verbenaca (Salvia verbenaca)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

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