Culinary Sage

Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'

Also Known As

Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'
Common Sage
Purple Leaved Sage
Purple Sage

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Culinary Sage plant details

Culinary Sage is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial herb with green and purple foliage. In summer lavender and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in alkaline, average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Culinary Sage

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green and purple
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in summer
Uses: compact, container plant, culinary, edible leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Culinary Sage

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: alkaline, average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Salvia officinalis is the common sage of the culinary world and one of the most widely used herbs in western cuisine likely owing to the fact that it hails from the Mediterranean from where many great cuisines were born. It also has ornamental qualities growing as a small, evergreen, mounding shrub up to two feet tall and wide with greenish-grey foliage and spikes of light purple flowers in summer. Prune as needed in the spring to retain a compact shape. 'Purpurascens' has textured foliage that emerges purple and slowly turns to grey. Though it is often grown for its ornamental qualities, it is also a good culinary sage.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

An indispensable herb! Once you’ve cooked with fresh sage, there’s no going back! Delicious and versatile – it adds a unique savory flavor to any dish. This highly ornamental compact variety stays under 2’ tall and wide forming a dense mound of smoky grey and purple leaves – perfect for adding contrast to the edge of a bed or container. In Summer, 2’ tall flower spikes support lovely hummer-attracting purple blooms lasting several months. Excellent in a container! Provide rich, well-draining soil for a happy plant. Evergreen in warm winter areas.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

The favored sage of medieval times, it has purple-red leaves and was commonly called red sage. Useful at the front of a border or in a situation that can feature the colorful foliage. Flowering spikes of purple-blue in late spring and summer. Grows to 2' tall with a slightly wider spread. Hardy to 20 °F.

By: Native Sons

Garden photo gallery of Culinary Sage

Photo of Culinary Sage foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

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By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

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Gardening facts about Culinary Sage plant

How to Grow Culinary Sage

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- alkaline
- average
- well-drained

Features

Foliage Color
- green
- purple
Flower Color
- lavender
- purple
Wildlife
- beneficial insects
- bees
- butterflies
- hummingbirds
- deer resistant
Flower Season
- summer
Foliage Season
- evergreen