Salvia officinalis (Garden Sage)

Mature Height: 18-24” Mature Spread: 18-24” Hardy To: 6,000’

Water: Low
Exposure: Sun
Flower Color: White to Lavender
Flower Season: Summer
Attracts: Butterflies, Bees
Description: Regarded by many gardeners as one of the pretti-
est of all Salvias, this classic evergreen perennial is a culinary and ornamental delight. As a member of the mint family, Garden Sage is also highly adored by bees and butterflies. Native to the Mediter- ranean region, Garden Sage grows well in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. It is a woody-stemmed, shrub-like plant featuring gray-green, elliptic leaves with a bumpy texture. When the leaves are crushed, they emit a strong fragrance and are utilized in many culinary dishes for their savory and slightly peppery flavor. In spring, the woody stems can be trimmed back to encourage new growth, and, in early to mid-summer, lavender blooms will emerge along spikes adding color and dimension to the garden.
Care: Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun. If you have clay soil, add sand and organic matter to lighten up the soil and provide better drainage. Prune plants back in early spring every year, cutting out the oldest growth to promote new growth. You will begin to see little pink or purple flowers in late spring/early summer.
Fun Fact: Garden Sage has been used since ancient times to ward off evil, to treat snakebites, and to increase female fertility.