Perfume-makers use clary, or clary sage, as a fixative to keep other odors on track, and aromatherapists claim that its scent (variously described as musky, balsam, fruity, and disgusting) can induce euphoria.

Use it the same way you do common sage. Many people think that clary is far prettier than common sage, although they resemble each other.

Its big, textured leaves turn heads at the same time that its long-lasting flower spikes draw butterflies and bees. Clary has square stems and spikes of two-lipped pale lavender-blue or white flowers. The flowers are made showy (even while still in bud) by surrounding bracts of white, lavender, or pink.

The herb grows 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) tall, bearing elongated-heart shaped, fuzzy, wrinkled leaves up to 9 inches (23 cm) long. Give clary sage average soil with very good drainage and full sun. It tolerates both drought and a wide pH range. Clary is easy to start from seed, indoors or out.

Space seedlings 10 inches (25 cm) apart in the garden. After the first killing frost, cut back the plant tops. Hardy through Zone 5, northern gardeners should mulch plants to prevent plants from heaving out of the ground as soil contracts and expands during freezes and thaws. Plants may self-sow after they bloom in their second year, but collect a few seeds, just in case.

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