Botanical profile

Clary sage

Latin name
Salvia sclarea
Common name
Clary sage
Type
Biennial aromatic plant
Family
Lamiaceae

Clary sage is an aromatic and ornamental plant highly valued for its architectural habit, large and fragrant foliage, and spectacular flowering with pink, mauve, or lilac spikes. It adds a lot of height, texture, and movement to herb gardens, sunny flowerbeds, naturalized plantings, and pollinator-friendly gardens. Its slightly wild yet very elegant appearance makes it a remarkable plant for creating a rustic, fragrant, and characterful setting.

Easy to grow, clary sage prefers a full sun location in light, fertile to moderately rich, and very well-drained soil. It tolerates drier periods well once established but requires good drainage to remain vigorous. As it is often a biennial or short-lived perennial plant, it first develops a beautiful rosette of foliage before producing its grand bloom. Planting it in a warm, open, and well-ventilated spot promotes better performance in the garden.

Traditionally recognized as an aromatic and medicinal plant, clary sage is also highly sought after for its distinctive scent, sometimes used in perfumery and sensory gardens. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding great ecological value to plantings. It is an excellent plant for gardeners looking for an original, decorative, melliferous sage perfect for enriching a natural, aromatic, or medicinal garden.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Large, fragrant blooms and highly ornamental decorative bracts
Natural cluster, medicinal garden, pollinator garden, sunny border, architectural plant
Container growing
Pot culture possible in a large, well-drained container
Seasonal care
Cut back spent flower stalks to limit self-seeding; let some flowers go to seed if desired; cut back dry foliage in spring
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
4 to 8
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Moderate, well-drained soil
Humidity
Low to medium humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light compost in spring; avoid excessive fertilizer
Soil type
Light to medium, fertile, rather dry and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Propagation method
No-till farming
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Pale pink, mauve to rosy white
Fruiting
Late-season seeds
Foliage color
Grayish green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Basal rosette, then large erect flower stalks
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 inches)
Width
60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Lavender, yarrow, echinacea, ornamental grasses
Plants to avoid
Avoid with plants that do not like dry soil.
Spacing
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Harvest period
June to August
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.