HerbsSalvia officinalis
Common Sage
Sage is a robust, aromatic herb with decorative grey-green, velvety foliage that provides year-round ornamental value. In June and July, purple-blue flowers appear in vertical spikes, beloved by bees. The plant is evergreen and adds structure to the herb garden or border. Sage has been a cherished culinary and medicinal herb for centuries.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 40–70 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–8
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- purple, blue
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, chalky soil. Sage tolerates drought excellently but dislikes wet feet. Feed sparingly — overly rich soil diminishes the aroma. Protect the plant during severe frost with mulch or fleece.
Pruning tips
Prune in spring (April) by cutting back a third to half of the plant to prevent woodiness. Do not cut into old, bare wood — no new growth will emerge from it. Regularly harvest tip shoots to encourage branching. Replace the plant every four to five years.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
HerbsThymus vulgaris
Common Thyme
Common thyme is a compact, evergreen herb with small aromatic leaves and pink to white flowers. The plant is indispensable in the herb garden and blooms in June and July, when bees flock to it in droves. Thyme thrives best on dry, lean soil in full sun.
HerbsOriganum vulgare
Oregano
Oregano is an aromatic herb that is indispensable not only in the kitchen but also in the garden. From July to September, clouds of small pink-purple flowers appear, acting as a magnet for bees and butterflies. The herb forms dense clumps of oval, fragrant leaves and releases a warm, spicy scent when touched.