The Macedonian Clary, native to Hungary and the nearby Balkans, is for all the world like a taller, more robust and more handsome Salvia nemorosa. The specific title, amplexicaulis, means stem clasping. The mauve blue flowers held in showy maroon purple calyces are carried in whorls on 90cm tall stems. “The bottom lobe of the flower is curled back, allowing the two side lobes to stand out, guiding the bees into the wide open throat.” Victorian Salvia Study Group.
Like Salvia nemorosa clones S. amplexicaulis is quite drought tolerant when once established but it makes a more noble plant if given an occasional summer watering. Dead heading will prolong the flower display too. Height 90cm width 50-60cm.