Salvia officinalis (common sage) — Bushy

Overview

Salvia officinalis is a bushy herbs - culinary in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Salvia officinalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include borders, containers and herb gardens. It is native to Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Spain and Switzerland.

About

Salvia officinalis, common sage or sage, is a perennial, evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and native to the Mediterranean region, though it has been naturalized in many places throughout the world. It has a long history of culinary use, and in modern times it has been used as an ornamental garden plant. The common name "sage" is also used for closely related species and cultivars. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia officinalis

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3

Plant details

Salvia officinalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Borders, containers, herb gardens
Native to: Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Spain, Switzerland
Fragrance: Aromatic, strong, earthy, and slightly peppery scent.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia officinalis

Cultivation: Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the last frost. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Avoid cutting into old wood.
Propagation: Seed, softwood cuttings
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia officinalis?

Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the last frost. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia officinalis?

Salvia officinalis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia officinalis need?

Salvia officinalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.