Species common sage
pink-purple flowers with burgundy sepals, green leaves and green stems

common sage

Salvia officinalis 'Nana'

Common sage (Salvia officinalis 'Nana') is a diminutive, evergreen sub-shrub, growing to a maximum of around 20 inches tall. It is native to the Mediterranean basin and is prized for its culinary and medicinal properties. Its perennial foliage has a well-defined aromatic fragrance and its leaves are grey-green with white-silver variegation. Its purple-blue flowerwhorls bloom throughout the summer, attracting bees and beneficial insects. With minimal care, Common Sage will thrive in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate most soil types. Its tolerance of drought makes it a great choice for gardeners looking for a low maintenance perennial.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Stem Propagation,Root Cutting,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Lavender-blue Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common Sage should be watered when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Approximately once a week should suffice. Water thoroughly, making sure to moisten the entire root zone. Avoid watering too frequently as this can cause the roots to become waterlogged, which can lead to rot and death. Allow the water to absorb and the soil to dry slightly between watering to ensure the best results.

sunlight

Common sage (Salvia officinalis 'Nana') plants thrive best in full sun during the spring and summer months. If grown in partial shade, plants may be more susceptible to disease and may not reach their full potential in terms of flowering. For optimal growth and flowering, common sage should receive direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours per day. During the winter, the plant should receive at least 4 hours of sunlight each day to remain healthy. Planting common sage in areas with good air circulation can also help to keep the plant healthy and productive.

pruning

Common sage should be pruned lighty each spring. For a more pronounced aesthetic, more drastic pruning can be done at the end of the growing season in late summer/early fall. This will ensure that the plant will not get too big or out of control. When pruning common sage, make sure to cut off any stems that are straggly, crossing, damaged, or diseased. Also, remove any flowers that are past their prime. Finally, trim back any stems that have grown more than the desired size by up to 30%. Make sure to keep the remaining leafy stems about 8-12 inches in height. This should be done annually with common sage to ensure it stays tidy and healthy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Common sage typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Common sage typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map