Do you want to plant sage in your garden but aren’t sure which variety to use? Then you’ve arrived at the right place.
We’ll go over the most popular, easiest-to-grow, and best-looking sage varieties available. You’ll learn EVERYTHING about them, from their growth requirements to their appearance, smell, size, and even their uses. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in learning, keep reading!
Sage is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-to-grow herb.
It is beautiful and functional in the kitchen. Because of its compact nature, resistance to pests and diseases, and ability to withstand less-than-perfect care, many gardeners enjoy growing this lovely perennial herb plant in their home gardens.
There are several types of sage, and they can be classified in various ways. Some people grow sage for the leaves, which are a great addition to your culinary creations, while others grow it for its ornamental qualities and the fact that sage is a great companion plant.
The first way to categorize sage types is by color. Green sage is the most common, but purple and golden sages are also available. Purple sage has a beautiful purple flower with a lime-green leaf, whereas golden sage has yellowish flowers and leaves.
Cooks who want to add a sprig of fresh herb to their dishes usually prefer darker colours, such as the deep green of standard garden sage blooms. Those who want to spice up the appearance of their home gardens and grow more ornamental varieties usually prefer lighter-colored sage leaves. Red and purple sage are more susceptible to pests and diseases than green sage. They are aphid magnets, and they also have a soil-borne fungus that affects the plant’s roots and can cause it to die out over time.
Another way to classify sage is according to whether it is used medicinally or in cooking. Both have advantages, but there are some differences that affect how each type is grown. The most common variety. It’s flavor is stronger than golden or purple sage. It will also be easier to find because it is the most common variety.
Common Sage Varieties
Common Sage
Sage is also known as culinary sage and garden sag. It’s scientific bane ius Salvia officinalis. Sage is a well-known herb that is grown for medicinal and culinary purposes. It’s a low-maintenance perennial plant that can withstand most of the harsher climates in the northern United States and colder regions. It thrives in raised beds with clayey soils that receive full sun to partial shade. Make certain that it has complete drainage. Look for good air circulation around this plant as well to keep pests like spider mites from destroying it or infecting it with diseases.
Broadleaf Sage
Culinary sag is another name for culinary sage. Salvia nemorosa’ Spicy Globe’ is the scientific name for this plant. If you enjoy pairing fresh herbs with your meals, this is a great plant to add to your vegetable garden. The leaves can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Because it has a milder flavor than other types of sage, this variety is also a good choice if you have children (or pets) in your home. It can also be used to pickle and flavor oils, vinegar, butter, and cheeses.
Golden Sage
Salvia officinalis ‘Aurea’ and Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’ are the scientific names for golden sage. Golden sage has a milder flavor than garden sage and sometimes has a citrus undertone.
Golden sage doesn’t fare very well in colder climates and tends to be more sensitive to changes in light or temperature than other types of sage. These garden varieties are also more susceptible to other pests and diseases. It is hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but if exposed to colder temperatures, it can grow back from the roots.
Russian Sage
Russian sage is a lovely and fragrant flowering plant that can also be used in cooking. This perennial herb, native to Russia, Central Asia, and Turkey, is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, with a preference for zones 5 through 8. It has long blooming periods that extend into the fall or winter, and it frequently reseeds itself the following spring.
Russian sage flowers and leaves are primarily purple in color. They can grow up to 2 feet tall as a perennial, with 2-inch long leaves growing in opposite pairs on the stem. The blooms are typically violet to pinkish or purplish in colour, but they can also be white.
Herbalists regard this plant as mildly astringent, and it is frequently used as a hair rinse for dry or brittle hair. It is also useful for reducing swelling of mucus membranes, such as those in the throat, mouth, and nasal passages. When added to beverages such as tea, an infusion of Russian sage has been used to treat colds, sore throats, and coughs.
Italian Sage
It’s scientific name is Salvia officinalis ‘Italian. Large violet flowers with grey leaves characterize Italian sage. This culinary sage variety is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, but it is a good choice if you want to grow it for ornamental purposes. It can reach a height of 2 feet and has opposite ovate leaves that are about 1 inch long.
Greek Sage
Salvia cypria is another name for Salvia cypria. Scientific name is Salvia fruticosa. This sage is native to the Mediterranean region and is primarily used for ornamental purposes. It can reach a height of 3 feet and has slender stems and dark green leaves. The blue-purple flowers of this plant are frequently used in bouquets and dried flower arrangements.
Greek sage is hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and grows best in full sun. Because it belongs to the mint family, it can self-sow if given enough water. To say Greek sage is popular would be an understatement. It accounts for 50-95% of the dried sage sold in North America.
Anise-Scented Sage (Salvia guaranitica)
Anise-scented sage is another popular variety. It is one of the easiest to identify in gardens, with purple-blue flowers and deep-green leaves. This sage, in contrast to common sage, is entirely ornamental. Not only do its flowers and leaves stand out, but they can also grow to be over 6 feet tall.
In cold climates, it grows as a perennial. It can, however, grow as an annual in warm climates. Like most sages, it prefers moist soils, but it can withstand drought for a few months. The scent it emits is similar to anise, woody and spicy, hence the name.
Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)
The autumn sage is a cold-weather sage that grows beautifully all year long, even in the coldest climates. Nonetheless, it can be found thriving in warm zones because it is drought-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures.
In well-draining soils with adequate humidity, the plant can reach a height of 3 feet. It also has pink-to-purple flowers, with occasional orange or red blooms.
It is more common in gardens than in the wild because it is a highly attractive ornamental rather than a culinary plant. However, because of its minty scent and flavor, it is also useful in the kitchen.
Blackcurrant Sage (Salvia microphylla)
It is also known as Graham’s or Myrtle of the Mountains because it is a high-elevation sage that thrives in cold climates. This is more of a culinary sage than an ornamental sage, and it is frequently used in desserts. But that doesn’t make it any less appealing because it has purple flowers that stand out in any garden. It can grow to be over 3 feet tall in the right conditions. It thrives in well-draining soils, but it also likes some humidity.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
The clary sage is an African and Asian variety that is more commonly used in the kitchen than in the garden. It’s also found in a lot of perfumes. This one only grows in high-humidity areas and requires moist soil.
The plant requires constant watering and cold temperatures to grow tall (up to 4 feet). Even when fully grown, it is imposing, as the flowers range from purple to pink to light red, making any garden stand out.
Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii)
It’s also known as Blue sage or Jim sage. As a popular variety, it is native to California. As a result, it will thrive in warm environments with high relative humidity. It also prefers sandy, well-drained soils.
What distinguishes it is its ability to reach a height of over 5 feet in the right conditions. But it’s not how tall it is, but how attractive it is.
It is difficult to overlook due to its ash-green leaves and blue-to-pink flowers. The flowers differ from other types of sage in that they often resemble a spiral rather than a spike. As a result, it is more commonly used as an ornamental than a culinary variety.
Grape-Scented Sage (Salvia melissordora)
As the name implies, this sage has a distinct grapey aroma. As a result, it is widely used as a tea and in culinary applications. The leaves are typically light green, and the flowers are a grape color, usually purple. In the right setting, it could also serve as an ornament. It prefers humid environments over dry ones in general. It can reach a height of 4 feet and has some of the woodiest stems available. Its bush-like appearance draws attention to itself, and it spreads quickly.
Scarlet Sage
Scarlet salvia is another name for this plant. Salvia splendens var.rubra ‘Lady in Lace’ is the scientific name for this plant. This plant has a very fragrant scent and can be used to make a variety of herbal products. It is a unique variety of sage with vibrant red or purple flowers. The most potent part of the plant is the growing tips, but you can also harvest them for use in sachets or other scented items. You can even dry the leaves and crush them to make your own potpourri.
Plants will grow to be about 2 feet tall and form a dense bush with their classic oval green leaves. When temperatures fall below freezing, watering should be reduced during the winter months, as with many perennials.
Pineapple Sage
Sweet sage is another name for sweet sage. Its scientific name is Salvia elegans. This variety’s name comes from the sweet scent it emits when it blooms. Pineapple sage, which has small purple flowers and green leaves, can also be grown as an ornamental herb. This variety can be used to make both a tea and a tincture, or the leaves can be harvested for later use. This plant is commonly used to treat indigestion, reduce pain associated with menstrual cramps, calm anxiety symptoms, and aid in getting a good night’s sleep. Pineapple sage is hardy in USDA zones 5–9, with a preference for zones 7–8. It is an annual flowering plant that can reach a height of 4 feet and a width of 2 feet. It has soft green leaves that are slightly serrated, giving it a distinct appearance when compared to other Salvia plants.
Pineapple sage is well-known for its fragrant purple flowers with yellow centers, but its dark green foliage and low-growing stature also make it an attractive ornamental plant. This hardy annual will bloom from late summer to fall or early winter. They have a pineapple scent that attracts bees and butterflies while also adding color to your garden beds during the months when many other blooming herbs do not.
The small flowers are densely packed, with purplish-red petals radiating from a yellow center. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall, but with some pruning and care, it can also spread out into a wider bush.
White Sage
Salvia apiana is the scientific name for white sage. White sage has silvery-grey leaves and is commonly used as “sage burning” sage. The southwestern regions of the United States and Mexico are home to this species. It is typically dried and burned as a smudge stick for ceremonial purposes. The aroma of white sage is strong and pine-like, with a smokey finish. Many Native Americans regard it as highly valuable for ceremonial purposes.
Most white sage varieties are not recommended for culinary use because they have a more burnt flavor than other varieties. White sage is also very hardy and can be grown in USDA zones 5 through 9.
Mealycup Sage
Salvia farinacea is the scientific name for Mealycup Sage. Mealycup sage is native to Texas and New Mexico’s desert areas. The leaves are blue-green or grey, with downy hairs beneath, and grow close together along stems that can reach a height of 12 to 24 inches. When used in cooking, mealycup sage is also known as Texas tarragon because it tastes similar to its French cousin. Herbalists use this plant to treat diarrhea, soothe upset stomachs, and reduce stress.
Depending on the variety, the flowers of the mealycup sage are lilac-blue, white, or pink. This hardy perennial thrives in USDA zones 8 through 11, but will grow in zone 6 if given enough water. During the winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, you can reduce the amount you give it. Just don’t let the plant completely wilt.
Mealycup sage should be planted in a sunny spot that receives full or partial sun, and it should be watered frequently. This variety, however, does not tolerate overwatering; keep the soil slightly dry between watering sessions. This is especially true if you are using a drip irrigation system – too much water will quickly kill your plant. If you use sprinklers, wait until after sunset to allow the leaves to completely dry before the morning dew appears. Mealycup sage seeds are white and grow in pods that are about 1 inch long.
Mexican Bush Sage
The scientific name of this sage variety is Salvia leucantha. This sage is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. It reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet and has deeply colored, dark green foliage. Because of its ability to grow on steep slopes and withstand hot weather conditions with regular watering, Mexican bush sage is frequently used as a border plant in the landscape.
This hardy perennial plant’s small purple flowers bloom from July to September, but you can also harvest leaves for tea or drying when it blooms to keep the plant healthy. Because they are extremely large bushes once they reach a certain size, you may find that pinching back your Mexican bush sage every few years during early spring at around 10 inches tall is a good idea if you prefer it as an ornamental flower.
Berggarten Sage
Artemisia berggardiana is the scientific name for Berggarten Sage. Because of its attractive gray-green leaves, this sage variety is frequently used as an ornamental. It can reach a height of 1 to 2 feet and a spread of up to 3 feet. Berggarten sage grows best in climate zones 7 or higher but will do well in zones 5 through 9 if given enough water – it doesn’t like to dry out completely! The flowers on this hardy perennial plant bloom blue from mid-July to August, but you can harvest fresh leaves throughout the summer to use in your culinary creations and keep the plant healthy. You can encourage your Berggarten sage to grow bushier and thicker by pinching the tips off every few years in early spring when it is about 8 inches tall.
Woodland Sage
Woodland sage is another name for wood sage. Its scientific name is Salvia nemorosa. Woodland sage is a perennial plant with green leaves with purple markings that grow to about 3 feet in height. The plant can be used as a border in open woods or as a companion plant to taller plants. Bees, butterflies, and birds are said to be drawn to the fragrance of the blooms.
Woodland sage spreads via rhizomes, which, while not harmful, do grow on top of the ground. As a result, woodlands sage is frequently grown in containers or raised beds. These plants can be grown in USDA zones 4 through 8 and are drought tolerant in the summer.
The medicinal value of woodland sage is well known. It has been used to treat anxiety, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cultures, the leaves are also used to make tea, which is used to treat colds, coughs, and fevers. It can be grown outside or as part of an indoor garden, but it is most commonly found growing outside near woods or other gardens, where it thrives best. This plant grows best from seed, and woodland sage plants should not be overwatered or fertilized.
Hummingbird Sage
The Hummingbird sage, also known as pitcher sage, is one of the darkest. It has dark-green leaves and dark-purple flowers. Each flower grows as a spike, reaching heights of over 4 feet in the right conditions. It’s also one of the simplest to grow because it doesn’t mind a little drought or shade. This one, too, spreads extremely quickly. It is also resistant to diseases and pests because it does not get sick in harsh environments.
Given its distinct leaf and flower color, it may be more appropriate as an ornamental than a culinary sage.
Sonoma Sage (Salvia sonomensis)
It is the smallest of all sages, growing no more than a foot tall and producing pale purple-to-blue flowers. White flowers are found in some of the rarest varieties. This is another common sage in California, and it grows almost anywhere, going from warm to cold climates with ease. Because the taste and aroma of most Sonoma sage varieties are mild, they are mostly used for ornamental purposes.
South African Sage (Salvia lanceolata)
South African sage is a popular culinary ingredient known for its lemony flavor. It has a slightly peppery flavor and a strong minty aroma. It’s also a small variety, rarely growing taller than 2 feet. On the other hand, the flowers are stunning in their light red to pink hues. Its leaves are frequently greyish and light green. In terms of growth, it is commonly found in dry and warm environments.However, it grows better in cold and humid environments.