Chinese Sage
Clinopodium chinensefam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. 5FE9 — Clinopodium chinense
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IOverview
Overview
Chinese Sage (Clinopodium chinense) is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Japan. Known for its culinary and medicinal uses, it thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade. This plant can grow up to 0.5 meters tall and prefers well-drained soil types such as light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in USDA zones 6-9, making it suitable for gardens in these climates. The edible parts of the Chinese Sage are its leaves, which can be used both fresh and dried. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to various soil types while maintaining a compact size, making it an attractive choice for gardeners seeking a versatile perennial with multiple uses.
Quick answers
What is Chinese Sage?
Chinese Sage (Clinopodium chinense) is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Japan. Known for its culinary and medicinal uses, it thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Clinopodium chinense support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Clinopodium chinense thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Propagate through division or seed sowing. The plant's edible leaves are flavorful additions to dishes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Chinese Sage for the first time
8steps
Start with Clinopodium chinense as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining but moist, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into the garden or sow seeds directly where you want them to grow, spacing about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells. Deadhead flowers as they fade to encourage more blooms. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and promote new growth. Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to deadhead flowers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 14 native
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Broader regions
native:Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Sakhalin, Amur
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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