Pruning guide
How to prune clary sage
Best time
After flowering in summer
How often
Once after flowering; no routine annual pruning required
Technique
Cut spent flower stalks down to the basal rosette of leaves once blooms fade. Remove dead or damaged basal leaves at any time.
More clary sage care
Pruning clary sage — FAQ
When should I prune clary sage?
After flowering in summer. Cut spent flower stalks down to the basal rosette of leaves once blooms fade. Remove dead or damaged basal leaves at any time.
How often does clary sage need pruning?
Once after flowering; no routine annual pruning required. Clary sage is a biennial that produces tall flower spikes in its second year then sets seed and dies. Little pruning is needed — remove spent flower stalks after blooming to tidy the plant or to prevent excessive self-seeding. Allow some seed heads to remain if you want it to naturalise.
How do you prune clary sage?
Cut spent flower stalks down to the basal rosette of leaves once blooms fade. Remove dead or damaged basal leaves at any time.