Sage, Clary

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Also known as: Clear Eye, Muscatel Sage

Clary Sage is a fragrant, striking biennial or short-lived perennial herb with bold flower spikes, downy silver foliage, and a rich history in European herbal traditions. Prized for its essential oil, Clary Sage has long been used to support hormonal balance, reduce anxiety, and soothe the nervous system. In the garden, its towering pink-lavender flower spikes attract pollinators from midsummer through late summer, making it both a beautiful and beneficial addition to herbal borders, cottage gardens, and permaculture systems.

Key Characteristics

• Traditional Medicinal Use – Flowers and Leaves
  Clary Sage is used to support hormonal regulation, particularly for menstrual discomfort, menopause symptoms, and stress-related tension. The aerial parts are often distilled for essential oil or used in infusions and compresses. The oil is prized in aromatherapy for mood support and as a calming nervous system tonic.

• Hormonal and Emotional Support
  Clary Sage is known for its balancing effects on estrogen levels, making it a go-to for PMS, cramps, and menopausal discomfort. It also acts as a gentle sedative and euphoric, promoting emotional grounding and a sense of well-being.

• Pollinator-Friendly Blooms
  From June to August, Clary Sage sends up bold spires of pale pink to lavender-white flowers with colorful bracts, attracting bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies. The blooms provide nectar during a key mid-season window and add vertical structure and fragrance to pollinator gardens.

• Landscape and Permaculture Uses
  Clary Sage is ideal for sunny herb gardens, borders, and permaculture beds. It thrives in dry, well-drained soils and needs little care once established. The large rosette of foliage in its first year acts as living mulch, while the second-year flowering display is both ornamental and functional.

Product Details

• Native range: Southern Europe and Central Asia

• Plant life cycle: Biennial or short-lived perennial

• Sun requirements: Full sun

• Soil requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained soil

• Mature height: 3–4 feet in bloom

• Bloom time: June to August

• Bloom color: Pale lavender, pinkish-white with showy bracts

• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–9

Clary Sage offers beauty, fragrance, and deep healing. Its essential oil is one of the most powerful mood and hormone regulators in the herbalist's toolkit—and its summer blooms make it a garden showstopper.