Clary Plant Care

Clary (Horminum pyrenaicum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Horminum genus.

Clary displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Clary produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Clary thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Clary to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Prune Clary while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Clary can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.

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Clary is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.