Sage Common

Characteristics

Culture

Grow Common Sage in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates very light shade, but best in full sun. Plants tend to sprawl, particularly when grown in less than full sun. Wet soils can be fatal. *Herbaceous perennials freeze to the ground each winter and new growth returns from the roots in spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Salvia officinalis, frequently called common sage or garden sage, is the culinary sage familiar to most cooks. It also has excellent ornamental qualities, however; and this woody-stemmed, semi-shrubby perennial typically grows 1.5-2.5′ tall. Features whorls of two-lipped, lavender-blue flowers (to 1 inch long) in short, upright spikes in late spring. Wrinkled, gray-green leaves (to 4″ long) are strongly aromatic and are frequently used fresh or dried in cooking as a seasoning. A mint family member that is attractive to bees and butterflies. The genus name Salvia comes from the Latin word salveo meaning “to save or heal”, in reference to the purported medically curative properties attributed to some plants in the genus.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to root rot in consistently moist or wet soils. Taller plants tend to sprawl and may need some support if grown as ornamentals in the border.

Garden Uses

Mix with perennials in borders or rock gardens. Excellent in herb or vegetable gardens. Click here for more information on Herbs for Texas Landscapes.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden and Texas Agrilife Extension Service.