Common Sage
Salvia officinalis
An evergreen subshrub featuring grayish-green, oblong, highly textured leaves covered in fine hairs, and square stems.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering again. Highly drought-tolerant once established; sensitive to root rot from overwatering.
- Growth
- A perennial subshrub with a woody base and herbaceous upper stems, growing to a mature height and spread of 1 to 2 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Fertilize sparingly during the spring growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering again. Highly drought-tolerant once established; sensitive to root rot from overwatering.
Soil
Well-draining sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 4 through 8.
Growth habit
A perennial subshrub with a woody base and herbaceous upper stems, growing to a mature height and spread of 1 to 2 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Late spring to early summer, producing whorls of purple-blue, pink, or white tubular flowers.
Propagation
Propagated easily through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, or by layering and seeds.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot in humid conditions or poorly draining soil. Pests like aphids and spider mites can occasionally affect the plant.
Similar species
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has narrower, linear leaves and distinct flower spikes, and Greek Sage (Salvia pomifera) has broader, more rounded leaves.