Troubleshooting
Annual Clary problems — and how to fix them
Annual Clary (Salvia viridis) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Botrytis grey mould
Botrytis cinerea thrives on the papery bracts in damp, still conditions; remove fading flower stems promptly, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce spore spread.
Slugs and snails
Young seedlings are vulnerable to slug damage, particularly in cool, wet springs; use copper collars, nematode treatments (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita), or wildlife-safe iron phosphate pellets around transplants.
Prevent annual clary problems before they start
Most annual clary issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Annual Clary problems — FAQ
Why is my annual clary botrytis grey mould?
Botrytis cinerea thrives on the papery bracts in damp, still conditions; remove fading flower stems promptly, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce spore spread.
Why is my annual clary slugs and snails?
Young seedlings are vulnerable to slug damage, particularly in cool, wet springs; use copper collars, nematode treatments (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita), or wildlife-safe iron phosphate pellets around transplants.