3 named cultivars

perennial

Sage

Salvia officinalis

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia officinalis, common or garden sage, is a mounding evergreen subshrub from the northern Mediterranean, one to two feet high and rather wider. Soft grey-green pebbled leaves grow on square stems that turn woody in their second year, and spikes of lipped violet-blue flowers open in summer above the foliage.

Sage goes woody, bare-centred and sparse after three or four years, and unlike many shrubs it will not reshoot from old bare wood — so never cut back into it. Trim lightly each spring into growth that still carries leaves, and layer a low branch or take cuttings every few years to raise a replacement before the parent gives out.

Uses & Benefits:

Soft grey-green evergreen foliage with violet-blue flower spikes, and purple and variegated forms.

A staple culinary herb, evergreen so it can be picked year round in mild winters.

Bees and butterflies work the flower spikes heavily; deer and rabbits leave the foliage alone.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

27 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northern Mediterranean

Toxicity

Non-toxic; leaves are edible

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun in sharply drained soil.
Avoid rich feeding and heavy winter-wet ground.
Trim lightly each spring into leafy growth only.
Never cut back into bare old wood.
Harvest leaves regularly to keep growth young.
Layer or take cuttings to replace plants every few years.

Pro Tip

Sage does not reshoot from bare wood, so always leave leaves below your cut — that single rule decides whether a plant recovers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it full sun and sharp drainage ☀️
Trim lightly into leafy growth each spring ✂️
Harvest regularly to keep it young 🌿
Raise replacements every few years 🔁

Don't

Cut back into bare old wood ❌
Plant it in wet winter soil ❌
Feed it richly — flavour suffers ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Trim

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Culinary herb bed and kitchen gardenSunny gravel or Mediterranean plantingContainers and path-side edging

Companion Plants

Rosemary Thyme Lavender Oregano Catmint

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sage questions

What zones can Sage grow in?

Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sage deer resistant?

Yes — Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sage bloom?

Sage typically blooms in summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sage need full sun?

Sage does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sage drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.