Salvia officinalis
common sage
S. officinalis is a bushy, spreading evergreen sub-shrub to 75cm tall, with very aromatic, finely veined, grey-green leaves and short spikes of pale blue flowers in early summer
Synonyms
Salvia officinalis 'Greek'
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean, Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a light, moist, but well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered position. Avoid excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood in late summer. Propagate by seed sown in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 9 in spring
Pests
Salvia can suffer damage from sage leaf hopper, capsid bug and slugs
Diseases
Foot and root rots, powdery mildew and verticillium wilt can be problematic on salvias
Get involved
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