Growing Clary Sage

I grow many different plants in my small downtown garden here in Prescott.  And because of our high desert climate it can be interesting to learn what works, how to help each plant be at it's spectacular best, and at the same time make it a fun and manageable landscape.

Most of what I grow here would easily be characterized as water-wise, possibly native, cottage garden plants, and the vast majority as herbs.  Some are all four, but not always.

They always say:  know your climate (or your zone) when planning a garden.  In other words, pick plants that will have a high chance for success in your particular corner of the world.  I promise this will make it more successful and infinitely more enjoyable.

Those of you who are unable or unwilling to devote a lot of time and energy to your garden will thank me for introducing you to this week’s featured plant. Actually known as an herb that thrives on neglect, clary sage is a showy, fragrant, easy-to-grow favorite with abundant medicinal and herbal properties. 

​Let's get to it...

​Background

Clary Sage (salvia sclarea)

Common Names:  wild clary, eye bright, clear eye, muscatel sage

Growing 3-5’ tall and 2-3’ wide, this versatile herb blooms in summer with small, ruffled flowers in a range of colors. These dramatic flowers will attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in your garden or look gorgeous cut and in a vase indoors—clary sage has a lovely cottage flavor inside or out.

Not to be confused with regular sage, which is strong and spicy, clary sage is gentle and soothing with a sweetly floral fragrance. 

Traditionally used for medicinal purposes—especially for eye care—clary sage has proven antibacterial and stress reduction properties. It’s also valued for its suspected abilities to alleviate depression, sleep difficulties, and menstrual and menopausal symptoms. (A friendly reminder to always check with your doctor before using any herb in a medicinal capacity!) 

Nowadays though, you’re much more likely to find clary sage used in a range of skin care and cosmetic products, as an aromatic additive, as herbal flavoring, and in essential oils. 

Native to the Mediterranean, clary sage is easy to grow from seed and does well in borders and containers. While it dislikes the combination of high heat and humidity, it does require plenty of sun and well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Clary sage grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial and is deer resistant. This lovely, ornamental addition to your yard will self-seed after its flowers die, ensuring continuing beauty in future seasons.   

If you want to start from seeds, two hints:  it benefits from cold and dark to germinate best, so either sow it in the early winter or put it in your freezer for a week or two and then plant the seeds deep in the soil for best results.

​Clary sage tea

Here's a nice herbal tea recipe for you to try - you can use the leaves fresh or dried to make a calming and refreshing tea. 

​I personally would toss some of the flowers in as well just because they are so pretty.

Clary Sage Tea Recipe
1 tbsp of dried herb
or
2 tbsp of fresh herb
2 cups of boiling water
Cover with a lid
​Steep for at least 5 minutes
​Then strain carefuly and enjoy

​
(preferably while seated in the shade of your herb garden!)

Image: Tamara Schipchinskaya @unsplash

​Behind the scenes in my prescott garden

Earlier this spring (which is the second year for these particular plants) they are pretty much all leaves and then the white and green trimmed flower bracts begin to pop out.   You'll also notice the stems of the plants have a pretty lavender color to them and are covered with a fuzzy coat.  ​Don't expect much the first year, but the second year (and subsequent if it survives) are when you get the spectacular over-sized salvia blooms on a branching, tall and airy plant.
​

---

By early summer these plants are in full bloom.  I especially love how they light up in the early morning sun, shown here.  The flowers are quite long-lived but do change over the weeks from pale white to a combination of sage and lavender.
​

The same early morning view, but with the sun behind me, shows more of the detail and the impressive size of the mature leaves.  I will say, that I do spend a couple minutes every week or two snipping wayward leaves and occasionally will stake the flower stalks since they can get heavy and in my small garden, everyone's gotta learn how to behave and share space :).
​

This closeup I took yesterday, and while the flower bracts are definitely smaller now, the color is more vibrant.

I love this description I found of the aroma, from earthtokathy.com:  "The aroma smells like dancing forest elves - green, deep, slightly smoky, and a frolicking celebration of all that is earthy."  Isn't that just so sweet and vivid?  She also talks about research that has been done on the scent for use in reducing anxiety.

I am obsessed with botanical artwork and have a small collection of antique prints.  This one is from "Hortus Eystettensis", ​a codex produced over 16 years beginning in 1611 by Basilius Besler, a bavarian apothecary and botanist.  This plate features Horminum which is considered Common Clary.  You can find lots more about this artist and all of his artworks online if you're interested.
​
​

Thank you for hanging around with me while we explore these amazing herbs.  I know when most of us think of herbs, we think of basil and dill and not necessarily spectacular cottage garden plants.  Perhaps I helped to change your mind?  Let me know if you try the tea recipe or if you grow Clary Sage in your garden - leave a note in the comments below.

Peace & contentment,
~Miriam

---

We offer landscape & garden design services

​Do you have a garden plan or an existing landscape that needs a little tweaking?  Or even an empty lot that is missing your perfect santuary?

The Whiskey Porch is here to help! 

​I can help you define your dream landscape, or address problem areas in your existing garden design.   Every design I do is 100% custom to you, the gardener, and the particulars of your location and property.  And I promise that no space is too small for a spectacular secret garden.

I've been a life-long gardener and designed many landscapes in different climates where I've learned both from my success and my failures.  You can view my portfolio where I've got a few prior projects posted, as well as testimonials from prior clients.

Design Services

Learn more about how we can help you.

---

Want more garden resources?

If you are looking for more inspiration for you outdoor spaces, perhaps you'd like to explore our Garden Resources.

Garden Resources