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Purple Sage 'Purpurescens' (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurescens'): Purple-Leaved Culinary Sage for Ornamental Herb Gardens

Purple sage Purpurescens plant

Purple sage leaves

Purple sage flowers

Purple sage habit

Overview

Purple sage 'Purpurescens' (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurescens') is a striking cultivar with young leaves emerging deep purple, maturing to gray-green with purple undersides. It forms a woody-based mound 18-24 inches tall with lavender-blue flower spikes in early summer. Flavor is classic sage, slightly milder.

Botanical Details

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Genus: Salvia
Species: officinalis
Cultivar: 'Purpurescens'

Culture & Uses

Full sun, well-drained, alkaline soil. Drought-tolerant. Color best in full sun. Use in herb gardens, mixed borders, containers. Leaves flavor poultry, stuffing, sausages, oils. Less hardy than species (USDA zones 6-9); protect in winter. Prune after flowering.

Herbs: Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor': Variegated Culinary Sage with Pink, White, and Green Leaves; Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten': Culinary Sage with Large Round Leaves; Common Sage 'Aurea' (Salvia officinalis 'Aurea'); Common Sage 'Purpurescens' (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurescens'); Common Sage 'Purpurea' (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'); Salvia officinalis 'Rosea' – Pink Flowering Garden Sage; Tricolor Sage (Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor'): Variegated Foliage for Herb Gardens and Containers; Common Sage 'Berggarten' (Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten'): Broad-Leaved Culinary Sage; Variegated Golden Sage (Salvia officinalis 'Icterina'): Ornamental Culinary Herb with Gold-Splashed Leaves; Golden Sage (Salvia officinalis 'Aurea'): Chartreuse Foliage for Herb and Ornamental Gardens

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