Sage Plants: A Guide for Gardeners
Introduction
Sage is a versatile plant with many different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Whether you’re looking for a culinary herb, a medicinal plant, or an ornamental addition to your garden, there’s sure to be a sage plant that’s perfect for you.
Types of Sage Plants
There are over 900 different species of sage plants, each belonging to the genus Salvia. Some of the most common types of sage plants include:
- Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis): This is the most common type of sage used in cooking. It has soft, silvery-green leaves that can be used fresh or dried. Culinary sage is also known for attracting beneficial insects to the garden.
- Ornamental sage: These sages are grown primarily for their beautiful flowers and foliage. Some popular varieties of ornamental sage include pineapple sage, butterfly sage, and scarlet sage.
- Medicinal sage: Some types of sage have medicinal properties. For example, white sage (Salvia apiana) is traditionally used by Native Americans for smudging and purification rituals.
Culinary Sage Plants
Culinary sage is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow in most climates. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Culinary sage can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including stuffing, soups, and stews.
Varieties of Culinary Sage
There are several different varieties of culinary sage, including:
- Common sage: This is the most common type of culinary sage. It has soft, silvery-green leaves and a strong, pungent flavor.
- Dwarf sage: This is a smaller variety of culinary sage that doesn’t exceed a foot in height.
- Purple sage: This variety has purple foliage when young.
- Golden sage: This variety has gold and green variegated leaves.
- Tricolor sage: This variety has variegated leaves with white, green, and purple accents.
- Berggarten sage: This variety is very similar to common sage, but it does not bloom.
Ornamental Sage Plants
Ornamental sages are grown primarily for their beautiful flowers and foliage. They come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and they can be used to add interest and beauty to any garden.
Varieties of Ornamental Sage
Some popular varieties of ornamental sage include:
- Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans): This perennial sage has tubular red flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Butterfly sage (Salvia leucantha): This annual sage has purple or white flower spikes that attract butterflies.
- Hummingbird sage (Salvia splendens): This annual sage has scarlet-colored flowers that bloom from late spring through the first frost.
- Mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea): This annual sage has blue, purple, or white flower spikes.
- Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha): This tender perennial sage has purple or white flower spikes and is drought tolerant.
Growing Sage Plants
Sage plants are relatively easy to grow. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Sage plants should be watered regularly, but they do not like to be overwatered.
Harvesting Sage
Sage leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. To harvest sage leaves, simply cut the leaves from the stem. Sage leaves can be used fresh or dried.
Storing Sage
Fresh sage leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Dried sage leaves can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
