Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub, Perennial, Herb

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Blue

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Light Green, Purple, White, Variegated

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

This shrubby perennial is the classic garden sage of culinary goodness. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and at least as wide and with age, grows quite the woody base. Foliage is gray green, long and oval, slightly pubescent, and highly aromatic. Flowers appear in May, forming nearly true blue spires. A beautiful cut flower, they are also edible. Attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Leaves are excellent fresh or dried, in marinades, pesto, stuffing, and fried whole. There are varieties with purple, yellow, and variegated foliage.

Garden sage needs full sun and loose, well drained soil. In time, it can form a very wood structure; pruning hard in the late winter will result in more branching, leading to more leaves and flowers. Semi-evergreen, it holds onto its leaves late into the fall and early winter. If planted where it receives reflective heat, it can be evergreen. A culinary herb with edible leaves and flowers.