The most unique thing about Clary Sage has to be its scent. Interestingly enough, it’s a bit of a “he said, she said” plant—most men find the aroma really pleasant, while many women find it a little off-putting! If you’re thinking about adding Clary Sage to your garden, there are just a few simple “house rules” to keep in mind to help it thrive.
Natural Habitats
In the wild, Clary Sage is a globetrotter, stretching from the Mediterranean all the way to Central Asia. You’ll spot it in forests, along roadsides, on rocky slopes, and tucked into open fields and meadows. Generally speaking, it’s a hardy survivor that does well in a variety of spots, as long as they are sunny and on the drier side.
Location Requirements
Clary Sage isn’t exactly a high-maintenance diva when it comes to where it lives. Your best bet is to try and mimic its natural environment as much as possible.
Ways to Grow Clary Sage in Your Garden
You can get pretty creative with where you plant Clary Sage. It looks great in:
- Traditional garden beds
- Rock gardens
- Gravel paths or xeriscapes
- Pots and planters for a pop of green on your balcony or patio
Sunny and Sheltered
Clary Sage is a sun-worshipper at heart and loves a warm, bright spot. It can handle partial shade if it has to, provided the other conditions are right. One pro-tip: try to give it a little protection from heavy downpours or super windy drafts to keep it looking its best.
Well-Draining Soil
The perfect soil for Clary Sage is loose, well-draining, and ideally a bit sandy. If your garden has heavy, compacted clay soil, don’t worry—just mix in some sand or fine gravel to help aerate it. This plant also doesn’t mind high lime content at all. The biggest “no-no” is standing water; soggy roots are a death sentence for this herb. It’s much happier being a little too dry than way too wet.
Growing in Containers
Thanks to its compact growth habit, Clary Sage is a fantastic candidate for container gardening. It’s a lovely way to green up a balcony or terrace. Just a heads-up: if you happen to be one of those people who isn’t a fan of its strong scent, you might want to keep your pots a comfortable distance away from your bedroom window!
Clary Sage is Winter Hardy
Good news for those of us in cooler climates—Clary Sage is generally winter hardy. If it’s planted in the right spot, it can stay outdoors all year round. To be safe, I recommend giving it a little extra “blanket” of mulch during the winter months to protect it from the deep freeze.
