sage purple
purple sage or Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'
An attractive, upright perennial with aromatic, grey-green foliage, which is initially flushed with a reddish-purple as it emerges. From early summer the branching stems are topped with spires of lilac-blue, two-lipped flowers, which are particularly loved by bees.
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' is a valuable addition to the herb garden, the leaves are high in vitamins A and C and can be used to make stuffings, as well as enhance the flavour of many meat and fish dishes.
Purple sage looks stunning planted next to golden oregano in a sunny herb garden, and the freshly chopped leaves can also be used to make herb tea and sage butter. All in all, it's a useful and attractive container plant for a sunny site.
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' is a valuable addition to the herb garden, the leaves are high in vitamins A and C and can be used to make stuffings, as well as enhance the flavour of many meat and fish dishes.
Purple sage looks stunning planted next to golden oregano in a sunny herb garden, and the freshly chopped leaves can also be used to make herb tea and sage butter. All in all, it's a useful and attractive container plant for a sunny site.
How to care for Salvia officinalis Purpurascens:
Plant decorative, edible sages in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil, adding a little grit if the ground is heavy as sage dislikes sitting wet in winter. Alternatively, grow in a pot with gritty compost to ensure good drainage. Set the plant at the same depth as in the pot, water to settle it in, and avoid overwatering once established as it prefers drier conditions.
Gather leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth, and prune lightly in July after flowering to keep the plant compact and productive. Pick leaves before flowering if you plan to dry them for winter use. In colder regions place grit around the base to improve drainage and avoid cutting the plant back hard in autumn, as older wood can struggle to reshoot.
Gather leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth, and prune lightly in July after flowering to keep the plant compact and productive. Pick leaves before flowering if you plan to dry them for winter use. In colder regions place grit around the base to improve drainage and avoid cutting the plant back hard in autumn, as older wood can struggle to reshoot.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
9cm pot
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2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
£15.98
£5.33 each
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