Clary sage Salvia sclarea
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a biennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Northern Mediterranean to central Asia. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Clary sage at a glance
| Type | Biennial herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–60 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 365 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (fritters), flowers |
| Native to | Northern Mediterranean to central Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇷 Iran |
| Invasive in | Washington State, USA (noxious weed): check local rules before planting |
Is Clary sage toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not reported as poisonous; the strong-smelling essential oil is not for internal use.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Clary sage
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Clary sage
- How far apart should I plant Clary sage?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Clary sage need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Clary sage need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Clary sage?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- When does Clary sage flower?
- About 52–60 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Clary sage poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as poisonous; the strong-smelling essential oil is not for internal use.
- What grows well with Clary sage?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Clary sage. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Big, wrinkled leaves in a first-year rosette, then tall branching spikes with lilac-pink bracts in the second summer; it often dies after flowering. Grown in fields in Provence, Russia and Bulgaria for clary oil (perfume, muscatel flavour).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare