Description
Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, is an aromatic herb that is commonly used for culinary purposes. It has a woody stem, gray-green leaves, and small blue to purple flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. Sage is a hardy plant that is tolerant of drought and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is often used in herb gardens, rock gardens, or as a border plant. Sage has a strong flavor and is used in a variety of dishes, including stuffing, meat dishes, and soups.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Sage
- Hardiness:Fully hardy through most of the UK
- How big will I get? Salvia officinalis can grow to a height of 1m and a spread of 1m.
- Did You Know That:The name salvia comes from the Latin world “salvus” meaning well or unharmed?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
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Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Salvia officinalis prefers moist but well-draining soil. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Salvia officinalis prefers a sheltered position and can cope with either full sun or partial shade.
Maintenance
Salvia officinalis should be deadheaded regularly to promote new flowers coming through. This will prolong the flowering period of the plant as it saves the energy that the plant would have put into producing seeds and allows it to produce more flowers!
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Salvia officinalis can have problems with slugs and snails, and it tends not to have problems with diseases. It is also known to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It is not considered to be toxic.
