Overview
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include borders, containers and herb gardens. It is native to Mediterranean region.
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.
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
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, herb gardens
- Native to
- Mediterranean region
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, strong sage scent with a slightly more pungent and spicy note than common sage.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Prune 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 'Purpurascens'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'?
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' need?
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' 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.
How do I prune Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; avoid cutting into old wood.
How big does Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' grow?
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' hardy in the UK?
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'?
Seed, softwood cuttings.
More in the Salvia genus
- Perovskia 'Blue Spire'
- Rosmarinus prostratus
- Salvia 'Black and Blue'
- Salvia 'Ostfriesland'
- Salvia 'Rose Queen'
- Salvia 'Royal Bumble'
- Salvia bicolorSage
- Salvia forskaohleiSage
