Garden Sage Salvia officinalis

Common sage is an aromatic, edible, short-lived, bushy, spreading, semi-woody perennial shrub that is a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family.  It is found in many gardens and offers great texture and sensory observations with its furry grayish-green leaves. The species can grow up to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Many cultivars may be shorter. The flowers are camphor-scented and may be bluish-lavender to pinkish-lavender and appear as upright spikes in the early summer. The flowers attract butterflies and bees.

The plant is native to the Mediterranean. They prefer the sunny and free-draining soils found along the coast, hillsides, and mountains near the Mediterranean in shrublands or grasslands. For many centuries in Europe, common sage was used both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Romans used common sage as a sacred ceremonial herb. 

The genus name, Salvia, is from the Latin word, salvare, which means "to save or heal." This references the medicinal properties attributed to the plant. The epithet, officinalis, references the plant's medicinal use and was sold in herb stores or pharmacies, The common names include culinary sage, common garden sage, or garden sage. The word "sage' means "wise."

Common sage prefers full sun and well-drained, medium to dry soils. It is intolerant to wet or poorly drained soil. It will tolerate drought and poor soils. Pruning is recommended in the spring and during the growing season to keep the plant from becoming leggy and to control flowering when used as a culinary herb. Tall plants may require staking.

The leaves of common sage may be used fresh, dried, or cooked. They are very aromatic. The leaves may be harvested in the spring and summer. For new plantings, it is best to harvest lightly the first year. The plant needs to become established before more aggressive harvesting. The edible flowers have an herbal, musky flavor and should not be eaten in large amounts. Fresh sage sold in supermarkets is often the similar species, Salvia fruticosa, which has trifoliolate leaves at maturity. The leaves of common sage are simple.

This plant is excellent for herb or vegetable gardens. It may also be mixed with perennials in border plantings, cottage gardens, or rock gardens. Several cultivars are available in many leaf colors that contrast nicely with other brighter green plants in the landscape. 

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer    Foliage:  Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• bushy, spreading, semi-woody, short-lived, evergreen, perennial shrub
• square green stems when young and become woody with age
• aromatic grayish green, fuzzy, textured, ovate, opposite, simple leaves with entire margins
• whorls of camphor-scented, two-lipped, bluish-lavender, upright, spiked flowers
• fruits are seed pods that contain small, round, brown, or black seeds

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Possible insects include leaf hoppers, slugs, spider mites, and spittlebugs.  Root rot, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt can occur. Providing well-drained soil and good air circulation will reduce the possibility of pests and foliar diseases. 

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Salvia.