Salvia officinalis
Sages come from a very large genus of plants but Salvia officinalis, or garden sage, is typically the preferred species for culinary applications. Sage was used by the Romans, ancient Greeks, and Egyptians for medicine and as a meat preservative and has been used by herbalists across the world ever since as a remedy for a multitude of ailments. An herbal tea of sage leaves is said to be a remedy for sore throats and canker sores. Evergreen shrublet.
Requirements: Full sun and well-draining Soil. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
Care: Prune heavy, woody stems in early spring to promote bushier growth.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten'
A cultivar introduced by Herrenhausen Grosser Garten of Hannover, Germany; translates to "mountain garden sage." Very exceptional large, gray-green oval leaves covered with soft, white hairs. Often preferred by chefs for culinary use. Longer-lived than many cultivars.
Salvia officinalis 'Icterina'
A cultivar with gold margins on green leaves which makes for attractive, year-round foliage.
Salvia officinalis 'Minimum'
Description coming soon.
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'
Also called 'Purpureum' and probably 'Purpurescens.' A cultivar of garden sage with an award of garden merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. A long-lived variety that stays quite tidy and looks well at the front of a border. Can also add some color to an herb garden with its splendid purple and green leaves.
Salvia officinalis 'Rubriflora'
An antique cultivar of garden sage from the 16th century or earlier. It blooms gorgeous pink flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds to the garden.
Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor'
An exceptionally ornamental sage with attractive tri-color foliage.
Salvia officinalis 'Woodcote'
Description coming soon.
Salvia officialis x S. fruticosa
(Newe Ya'ar Sage)
Also known as silver leaf sage. A hybrid sage pronounced "noy ya ar" which means "good plant" in Hebrew. It was developed in Israel to survive in their harsh climate in commericial plantings. In test kitchens this was often chosen over 'Berggarten Sage'. It has been reported to have a more pleasant, milder flavor due to the lower amounts of camphor and stayed relatively green even when cooked. The silver foliage and pale purple flowers also make it great for ornamental use and in crafting.