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Salvia officinalis /ˈsælviə ɔf.fɪ.kiːˈnaː.lɪs/

Common name: Sage · Common sage

Salvia officinalis is a perennial evergreen subshrub in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean. Its soft, gray-green leaves have a warm, savory flavor essential to many European dishes. It has a long history of medicinal use, reflected in its species name officinalis.

Fun facts

  • Sage is a classic pairing with butter and pasta, and the flavoring in traditional stuffing.
  • Purple, tricolor, and golden variegated cultivars are grown as ornamentals.
  • Ancient Romans believed sage promoted wisdom and longevity.

Care summary

Sun Full sun
Water Low; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Well-draining, sandy or loamy
Hardiness Zones 4–8
Mature height 0.3–0.8 m (1–2.5 ft)
Pet safe Mildly toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA)
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Take softwood or semi-ripe stem cuttings about 10 cm long in late spring or summer, strip the lower leaves, and root them in gritty, just-moist compost. Low branches can also be layered by pegging them into the soil until they root, and species plants grow reasonably well from seed.

Make your own Sage · Common sage profile

Common problems

    • Give plants full sun and airflow
    • Thin crowded clumps in spring
    • Remove mildewed leaves as they appear
    • Plant in sharply drained soil
    • Avoid overwatering established plants
    • Raise beds where drainage is poor
    • Pick off slugs after dusk
    • Use grit or wool barriers around plants
    • Set beer traps near new growth
    • Pinch back tips in spring
    • Move plants into full sun
    • Deadhead spent spikes promptly