It is technically a biennial, though it often self-seeds to create a perennial effect.

Does it need full sun?

Yes, it thrives in full sun to light shade.

Plant guide

Clary sage.

Salvia sclarea

Pronounced SAL-vee-uh SKLAIR-ee-uh

Also known as Clary, Clary-Sage, Europe sage, European sage, clary sage, clear-eye

Clary sage is a beautiful biennial or short lived perennial known for its aromatic, fuzzy leaves and tall flower spikes. It adds a lovely texture to any garden with its large, crinkled foliage. You will find it is quite a showstopper when it blooms in late spring or summer.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous biennial or perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to mid summer

Care

Plant this beauty in well draining soil to keep the roots happy. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil is staying too wet. Deadhead the spent flower spikes to encourage a cleaner look and potentially more blooms.

Watering: Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back spent flower stalks to maintain plant vigor and appearance.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes rootbound or needs fresh soil nutrients.
Soil: Well draining, sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -15 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Biennial, typically 2 years.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally safe for handling, but ingestion of large quantities or concentrated oils may cause adverse effects.
Children: The sticky foliage can be messy, but there is no significant ingestion risk for small children.
Contact allergens: The foliage has sticky, glandular hairs that may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can be a mild irritant for those with seasonal allergies.
Edibility: While used in some traditional recipes, the essential oil can be toxic in large amounts and should be used with caution.

How to identify it

Large, hairy, heart shaped leaves
Tall spikes of lavender flowers
Strongly aromatic, sage like scent
Square stems typical of mint family

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.9m
Leaves: gray-green, deciduous
Flowers: lavender, pink, white, 2 to 4cm

Problems to watch for

Root rot · Occurs when the soil remains too wet for too long.
Slugs · They may feed on the young leaves in early spring.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your clary sage from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Ensure the soil is well drained to prevent crown rot during wet winters. A light mulch can help protect the base in colder climates.
In containers: It can grow in large pots, but prefers the ground due to its long taproot.

Seed

1. Sow seeds in trays in early spring.
2. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
3. Transplant into the garden once the danger of frost has passed.

Pair with other drought tolerant Mediterranean herbs for a low maintenance garden bed.

Grows well with

Lavender · They share similar sun and soil requirements.
Catmint · It provides a nice color contrast and thrives in similar conditions.

Similar species

Meadow Sage · It is a true perennial with similar flower spikes.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southern Europe, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Conservation: This plant is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated.

It grows in dry, rocky meadows and hillsides where it relies on its deep taproot to find moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: ornamental border, fragrant garden, pollinator garden

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it a perennial?: It is technically a biennial, though it often self-seeds to create a perennial effect.
Does it need full sun?: Yes, it thrives in full sun to light shade.

Where the name comes from

The common name Clary Sage comes from the Latin 'clarus' meaning clear, while 'sclarea' is the botanical name derived from the same root.

Good to know

The name sclarea comes from the Latin word for clear, referring to its historical use as an eye wash.
It is a biennial, meaning it grows leaves the first year and flowers the second before dying.
The flowers are highly fragrant and attract many pollinators.

Also in

Keep your clary sage growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.