Taigan is a variety of clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) characterized by medium maturity and biennial growth. The plant reaches a height of 90 to 150 cm, has vertical greyish-white stems and silvery-grey leaves about 5 cm long. When stems and leaves are damaged, a sharp aroma characteristic of the genus Perovskia is released.
The yield of flower clusters is approximately 150.7 c/ha, with an essential oil content of 0.31% and sclareol at 0.60%. These indicators make Taigan attractive both for decorative purposes and for industrial essential oil production. The plant tolerates drought and winter frosts well (zone Z4‑Z8), allowing its use in various climatic conditions.
For cultivation, it is recommended to plant plants 50 cm apart, providing dry, well-drained soil. Taigan prefers sunny places but can also grow with light partial shade, although in that case the plant grows longer and needs staking. Propagation is done with hardwood cuttings in spring or green cuttings in summer. The plant is valued for the decorative appearance of its sky-blue flower clusters, which appear in July–September and continue to bloom for two to three months.
