Are slugs harmful to the whole plant?

They can be, especially for young seedlings. Mature plants are usually tough enough to withstand some leaf loss.

Should I use chemical pesticides?

It is better to use physical barriers or hand picking first. Chemicals can harm beneficial insects that help your garden.

Clary sage: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for slime trails on the leaves or the surrounding soil.
Check under the leaves and near the base of the plant at night.
Inspect the soil for hiding spots like mulch or garden debris.

Likely causes

Slug infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see irregular holes in the leaves and shiny, silvery slime trails on the foliage or nearby soil. They are most active at night or during damp weather.
What to do: Hand pick slugs off the plant in the early morning or evening. You can also place shallow dishes of beer near the plant to trap them.
Snail damage
Possible
How to tell: Similar to slugs, snails leave large, ragged holes in the leaves. You might find them hiding under mulch or debris near the base of the plant.
What to do: Clear away mulch or leaf litter from around the base of the plant to remove their hiding spots. Use copper tape around the base of the plant to create a barrier.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your clary sage

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Small amounts of damage are usually fine, but heavy feeding can weaken young plants. It is normal to see occasional minor holes in outdoor plants.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your Clary sage clean and free of debris. Use physical barriers like copper tape to keep pests away.

Clary sage: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your clary sage and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are slugs harmful to the whole plant?: They can be, especially for young seedlings. Mature plants are usually tough enough to withstand some leaf loss.
Should I use chemical pesticides?: It is better to use physical barriers or hand picking first. Chemicals can harm beneficial insects that help your garden.

Guides to these causes

Slugs and Snails

Why are there holes in my Clary sage leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your clary sage?