Salvia officinalis
Garden or Common Sage
Description
This shrubby perennial will grow 1'-3' tall and 1'-2.5' wide. It has gray green, aromatic, wrinkled leaves that are white and hairy underneath and clusters of bluish purple, pink or white (depending on cultivar) flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. Sage tolerates full sun but prefers afternoon shade in hot areas. It needs well draining, dry soil. Leaves are considered for medicinal and culinary uses. Butterflies love this plant.
Plant Type
Perennial, Herb
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Blue, Purple
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Grey Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Entry, Patio, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Cut Flowers, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces, Medicinal
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.