Clary sage

Clary sage is a large, biennial aromatic plant with fragrant foliage and decorative floral bracts, perfect for sunny beds, natural gardens, and pollinator gardens.

Size

Hardiness 4 to 8

Difficulty level Easy

Clary sage is a large, biennial aromatic plant with fragrant foliage and decorative floral bracts, perfect for sunny beds, natural gardens, and pollinator gardens.

FamilyLamiaceae

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.