Salvia officinalis (Berggarten Sage)

Salvia officinalis (Berggarten Sage) purple flower spike emerging from a cluster of thin silvery leaves.

Botanical name: Salvia officinalis

Common names: Berggarten Sage, Garden Sage, Common Sage

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin: Mediterranean basin

USDA Zone: 4-10

Plant type: Spice or herb

Plant form: Groundcover or low-growing

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Regular

Flower color: Blue, lavender, purple

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Fragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

An excellent culinary sage in that it rarely blooms, thereby providing an abundance of leaves continuously. Very low growing, dense, compact habit with large, round leaves. Large, aromatic leaves provide flavor in stuffing, sauces and seasoning mixes. It can be used as an ornamental, culinary, and medicinal. Great plant for filling in the herb garden. It spills over the edges of the flowerbeds nicely, but doesnt get lanky or flop like other sages. Nice in Thanksgiving dressing. Thrives in fertile, well-drained locations. Use leaves fresh, or dry and keep in an airtight container. Flowers are lavender-purple. Great bedding or container plant.