Balkan Clary
Salvia nemorosa
Lamiaceae · perennial · introduced
Last updated
As of March 31, 2026, soil temperature at Kent / Auburn is 47.7°F. Balkan Clary, hardy to Zone Zones 4a–8b, is in early-season conditions in Zone 8b.
Woodland sage, also called Balkan clary or blue sage, is a hardy, clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the mint family native to central Europe and west-central Asia. Growing 1-3 feet tall, it produces spikes of blue to violet flowers in late spring and early summer. The plant forms dense, spreading mats of attractive foliage.
Woodland sage is extremely cold-hardy to zones 4a-8b and thrives in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. It tolerates drought once established and attracts butterflies and other pollinators. The plant is long-lived and spreads via rhizomes; deadheading extends the bloom season. Multiple cultivars with varying flower colors are available.