Salvia officinalis (Common Sage)

This is the familiar variety of culinary sage; gray-green leaves are strongly aromatic; best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade; whorls of lavender-blue flowers on short spikes in late spring; must be well drained

Common Sage is a perennial herb that is commonly grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The fragrant oval grayish green leaves can be harvested at any time in the season. The leaves have a savory taste and a strong fragrance.

Common Sage will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 20 inches apart. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

Common Sage is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.