Clary (Salvia sclarea)
Clary (Salvia sclarea) is a plant in the annuals and biennials category that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Clary (Salvia sclarea).
This plant has several common names including: clary, biennial clary sage, clear eye, clear-eyes, herb clary or see-bright.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 1-2 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: clary, biennial clary sage, clear eye, clear-eyes, herb clary, see-bright
Scientific name: Salvia sclarea
Plant type: Annual / Biennial
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Coastal, Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Wall-side Borders
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Clary (Salvia sclarea) – Udo Schröter, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Annuals and biennials are ideal for formal or informal flower beds, but also for growing in pots and containers of all kinds. They are important plants for their rapid growth, instant color and relatively low cost.
They are also useful plants for filling spaces between newly planted trees and shrubs, as well as in perennial beds that may need to be revived after the first spring bloom.
They are an important ingredient in country house gardens and wildflower meadows.
Other types of Salvia to consider:
See all Salvia
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Clary (Salvia sclarea), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Clary (Salvia sclarea) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Salvia sclarea likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Clary (Salvia sclarea) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Clary (Salvia sclarea) – Pancrat, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
