Common sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens') SAL-vee-ah oh-fi-shi-NAH-lis Genus:  Salvia Cooks and gardeners alike are indebted to this evergreen perennial for the unique, pungent flavor and aroma that its gray-green leaves produce. This cultivar has leaves suffused with steely-gray purple. It forms a 1.5-foot-tall and wide bush with woody stems that may be trimmed back to newly emerging growth or strong stems in spring. In early to mid-summer, it sends up lavender-purple flower spikes; it has both ornamental and culinary qualities in an herb garden. It tolerates alkaline soils, but cannot survive wet winter conditions. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Salvias are some of the showiest plants for containers, annual borders, and mixed borders. Butterflies and hummingbirds love them.  Care:  Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates alkaline soil. Propagation:  Divide in spring. Take cuttings spring through fall. Problems:  Nothing serious, but root rot may occur in wet soils.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Shade Only Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Foliage, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Summer, Summer Flower Color Purple Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Ground Covers, Container, Suitable as Annual Style Cottage Garden, Herb Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant Type Perennials