An attractive evergreen shrub with soft leaves. The leaves have a distinctive earthy, woody fragrance when rubbed.
Purpose: sage leaves are widely used in cooking. Some varieties will produce masses of flowers in early summer which attract bees.
Sensory appeal
Sight
Evergreen structure
Scent
Leaves release a woody, earthy scent when rubbed
Taste
Edible leaves and flowers
Touch
Rub the soft leaves to release the scent
Quick facts
Height
0.5m
Spread
1.5m
Flower colour
Purple
Season of interest
All year. Flowers in early summer
Plant type
Evergreen shrub
Hardiness
Hardy
Life cycle
Perennial
How to grow
Start from
Plants
Light
Full sun
Soil
Well-drained or moist but well-drained
Planting distance
45-90cm apart
Care and maintenance
General
Cut back by about 1/3 in spring to prevent the plant becoming woody in the centre. Lightly prune after flowering. Pinch out growing tips to use in cooking
