Balkan Clary

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.