Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ — Purple Sage

Description

Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’) is a hardy culinary herb with rich purple-green leaves. New growth often has the deepest color. The leaves have the warm, savory flavor you expect from sage.

This plant works well in herb beds, borders, and pots. It also fits well in an Italian herb garden with thyme, oregano, and rosemary.

How to Grow Purple Sage

Plant Purple Sage in full sun. Use loose soil that drains fast. Let the soil dry a little between deep drinks. Too much water can harm the roots.

Plants form a low mound about 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Small lavender-blue flowers may appear in late spring or summer. These blooms can support bees and other visitors in a pollinator-friendly garden.

Simple Care

• Light: Full sun.
• Water: Low to moderate after roots settle in.
• Soil: Loose and well drained.
• Size: About 18 to 24 inches tall and wide.
• Use: Cooking, herb beds, borders, and pots.

Trim soft growth often to keep the plant full. Avoid cutting far into old woody stems. Feed lightly. Rich soil can make sage soft and weak.

Deer often leave strongly scented herbs alone, but no plant is fully deer proof. See our guide on keeping deer out of the garden for more ways to protect young plants.

Harvest and Kitchen Use

Pick young leaves as needed. Use them fresh or dry them for later. Purple Sage is good with roasted vegetables, poultry, pork, beans, butter, and savory sauces.

Harvest a little at a time so the plant keeps its shape. Good sun, sharp drainage, and light pruning will keep Purple Sage useful and attractive through the growing season.