About
Salvia officinalis, the common sage, is a bushy, spreading, evergreen subshrub to 75 cm with very aromatic, finely veined, grey-green, oblong leaves to 6 cm long and short spikes of pale-blue flowers in early summer. The classic culinary herb used fresh and dried in cooking. Cultivars include 'Purpuracens' (purple leaves), 'Tricolor' (grey-green, cream and purple) and 'Icterina' (yellow-variegated).
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden
Native toMediterranean, Africa
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationThrives in a sunny spot, in moderately fertile soil with good drainage. Drought tolerant once established. Protect from excess winter wet. See sage cultivation
PruningPruning group 9 in spring. Cut back flower spikes after flowering to keep plants compact
PropagationPropagate by by seed sown in spring or by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to rosemary beetle, sage leafhopper and capsid bug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots