Sages (Salvia species)
Sages are diverse herbs and shrubs valued for their aromatic foliage, beautiful flowers, and extensive culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications. This vast genus includes culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) with its savory flavor essential in Mediterranean cooking, alongside ornamental species like Mexican bush sage, pineapple sage, and countless others offering vibrant blooms that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
The plants range from compact 12-inch herbs to substantial 6-foot shrubs, featuring textured foliage in shades of green, gray, purple, and variegated patterns that provide year-round interest. Many sages produce edible flowers and leaves used fresh or dried in teas, seasonings, and traditional herbal preparations for digestive health, cognitive support, and respiratory wellness. The tubular flowers bloom prolifically in colors spanning red, purple, blue, pink, and white, creating stunning displays from spring through fall depending on species.
Sages are remarkably drought-tolerant once established, thriving in full sun with excellent drainage and minimal water, making them ideal for water-wise landscapes and Mediterranean gardens. Most species demonstrate good pest and disease resistance while requiring minimal care beyond occasional pruning. Hardy across USDA Zones 4-11 depending on species, sages are perfect for herb gardens, pollinator plantings, xeriscapes, and anyone seeking fragrant, productive plants with exceptional versatility
Sages (Salvia species)
Sages are diverse herbs and shrubs valued for their aromatic foliage, beautiful flowers, and extensive culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications. This vast genus includes culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) with its savory flavor essential in Mediterranean cooking, alongside ornamental species like Mexican bush sage, pineapple sage, and countless others offering vibrant blooms that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
The plants range from compact 12-inch herbs to substantial 6-foot shrubs, featuring textured foliage in shades of green, gray, purple, and variegated patterns that provide year-round interest. Many sages produce edible flowers and leaves used fresh or dried in teas, seasonings, and traditional herbal preparations for digestive health, cognitive support, and respiratory wellness. The tubular flowers bloom prolifically in colors spanning red, purple, blue, pink, and white, creating stunning displays from spring through fall depending on species.
Sages are remarkably drought-tolerant once established, thriving in full sun with excellent drainage and minimal water, making them ideal for water-wise landscapes and Mediterranean gardens. Most species demonstrate good pest and disease resistance while requiring minimal care beyond occasional pruning. Hardy across USDA Zones 4-11 depending on species, sages are perfect for herb gardens, pollinator plantings, xeriscapes, and anyone seeking fragrant, productive plants with exceptional versatility
