Common sage (Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor') 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 ornamental value, too—green leaves with white margins which are suffused with pink or purple. It forms a 1- to 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 is tolerant of alkaline soils, but cannot survive wet winter conditions. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Attracts butterflies. Care:  Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun. This species tolerates alkaline soil, but not wet or poorly drained soils. Propagation:  Divide in spring. Take cuttings spring through fall. Problems:  Powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.

Overview

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