Ultimate Guide to Sage Varieties

Sage is a versatile and beloved plant, cherished for its culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses. With its fragrant leaves, vibrant flowers, and adaptability, sage enhances herb gardens, landscapes, and even spiritual practices.

From classic culinary staples to striking ornamental varieties, there’s a sage plant to suit every purpose and preference.

Published: December 20, 2024.

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Most Popular Sage Varieties Grown in Small Gardens

Here’s a list of sage varieties commonly grown in backyard gardens, each with its unique uses and appeal:

Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Common sage is a perennial herb cherished for its silvery-green, aromatic leaves and small, delicate flowers that range in color from purple to blue. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has been cultivated for centuries for both its culinary and medicinal properties.

The leaves of common sage are slightly fuzzy and possess a distinctive earthy, peppery flavor, making them a staple ingredient in savory dishes like stuffing, soups, and roasted meats.

This hardy plant thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil, preferring a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Common sage is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

It is also deer-resistant and attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth. With proper care, common sage can be a productive and ornamental addition to herb gardens, borders, and container plantings.

Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’)

Purple sage is a striking variety of 'Salvia officinalis' known for its deep purple-tinged leaves, which add a vibrant pop of color to gardens and landscapes. The foliage often transitions to a mix of green and purple hues as it matures, creating a visually appealing contrast.

Like common sage, it produces small, lavender-colored flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

This variety shares similar growing requirements with common sage, thriving in sunny locations with well-drained soil. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH and benefits from infrequent but deep watering, making it a great choice for drought-tolerant gardens.

Purple sage is not only ornamental but also edible, with a slightly milder flavor than common sage. It’s ideal for adding color to herb gardens, borders, or containers while providing culinary and aesthetic value. Regular pruning helps maintain its bushy appearance and encourages healthy growth.

Golden Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’)

Golden sage is a stunning variety of 'Salvia officinalis' prized for its eye-catching variegated foliage. The leaves display a striking combination of bright golden-yellow edges and soft green centers, making it a standout choice for ornamental gardens.

This compact, bushy herb also produces small, lilac-colored flowers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Golden sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, similar to other 'Salvia officinalis' varieties. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH and is drought-tolerant once established.

While its vibrant leaves make it a popular choice for decorative purposes, golden sage is also edible and can be used in cooking, offering the same earthy flavor as common sage.

It works beautifully in herb gardens, containers, or as a colorful border plant. Pruning promotes fresh growth and helps maintain its compact, vibrant appearance.

Tricolor Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’)

Tricolor sage is a striking ornamental variety of 'Salvia officinalis', celebrated for its tri-colored foliage. The leaves feature a blend of green, creamy white, and soft pink or purple tones, creating a vibrant and dynamic visual effect.

As the plant matures, the colors often shift slightly with the seasons, enhancing its decorative appeal. In summer, it produces delicate purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Like other sages, tricolor sage is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Though primarily grown for its ornamental beauty, its leaves are also edible and can be used in cooking, providing the same earthy flavor as common sage.

Perfect for herb gardens, borders, or containers, tricolor sage adds both culinary and aesthetic value. Regular pruning keeps the plant bushy and encourages vibrant new growth.

Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)

Pineapple sage is a delightful herbaceous perennial known for its sweet, tropical pineapple scent and striking appearance.

Its bright green, oval leaves are highly aromatic, and during late summer to fall, it produces vibrant red, tubular flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. Native to Central and South America, pineapple sage is often grown for both its ornamental beauty and culinary uses.

This variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It requires regular watering to maintain its lush growth but is relatively low-maintenance overall.

Pineapple sage is commonly used to flavor teas, desserts, and fruit dishes, adding a fresh and unique taste. It also makes a beautiful addition to herb gardens, pollinator gardens, and container plantings. To encourage a fuller plant and prolong flowering, regular pruning and deadheading are recommended.

Pineapple sage’s vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage make it a versatile choice for both decorative and culinary applications.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage is a hardy, deciduous perennial shrub celebrated for its tall, airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery, aromatic foliage. Despite its common name, it is not a true sage ('Salvia' species) but belongs to the 'Perovskia' genus.

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Native to Central Asia, Russian sage is a favorite in ornamental gardens due to its drought tolerance and striking appearance. The plant blooms from mid-summer to fall, creating a soft, ethereal effect in landscapes.

This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating a wide range of soil types, including sandy or rocky conditions. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens.

Russian sage is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its tall, airy growth habit makes it perfect for borders, mass plantings, or as a backdrop for shorter plants. Pruning in early spring encourages new growth and helps maintain its shape.

Russian sage is primarily grown for its ornamental value and is a striking addition to any garden.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Clary sage is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb known for its large, aromatic leaves and showy flower spikes in shades of pink, lavender, and white.

Native to the Mediterranean region, clary sage is highly valued for its essential oils, often used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and herbal remedies. The plant’s flowers and foliage emit a distinctive musky, sweet fragrance, making it a favorite in sensory gardens.

Clary sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for dry or rocky gardens.

This plant is also a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing its ecological value. While primarily grown for its ornamental and medicinal purposes, clary sage has also been used in traditional medicine and culinary applications.

Its tall, colorful flower spikes make it an excellent choice for borders, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its appearance and encourages self-seeding.

White Sage (Salvia apiana)

White sage is a perennial evergreen shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is renowned for its silvery-white, aromatic leaves and tall flower spikes that bloom with small, white to pale lavender flowers.

This plant holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, especially in Native American traditions, where it is often used for smudging rituals and cleansing ceremonies.

White sage thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil, making it ideal for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH and is highly drought-tolerant once established.

White sage is often grown for its ornamental beauty, its use in smudging, and its aromatic foliage, which can be dried and stored for later use.

The plant is also deer-resistant and attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. It works well in native gardens, rock gardens, or as a low-maintenance landscape plant.

Pruning after flowering promotes bushier growth and helps maintain its compact shape.

Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)

Mexican bush sage is a stunning perennial shrub prized for its velvety, purple and white flower spikes and silvery-green foliage.

Native to Mexico and Central America, this sage blooms profusely from late summer to fall, adding vibrant color and texture to gardens during the later growing season. Its tall, arching stems make it a favorite for creating soft, flowing accents in landscapes.

This sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat and drought conditions once established. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage new blooms.

Mexican bush sage is a magnet for pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Often used in borders, mass plantings, or as a backdrop, it pairs beautifully with other sun-loving plants.

While not typically used for culinary purposes, its ornamental appeal and ability to thrive in tough conditions make it a popular choice for gardeners.

Woodland Sage (Salvia nemorosa)

Woodland sage is a hardy, clump-forming perennial known for its vibrant flower spikes in shades of purple, blue, or pink. Native to Europe and Western Asia, this sage variety is highly valued for its long-lasting blooms, which typically appear from late spring through summer.

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Its aromatic, gray-green leaves add texture to gardens, and the plant's upright, compact form makes it a versatile choice for various landscape designs.

Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, woodland sage is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil and benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage continuous blooming.

Woodland sage attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding ecological value to its beauty. Commonly used in borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens, this sage variety pairs well with ornamental grasses and other sun-loving perennials.

Its resilience and striking flower spikes make it a standout choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Azure Sage (Salvia azurea)

Azure sage is a tall, graceful perennial prized for its sky-blue flowers and slender, airy stems. Native to the prairies and grasslands of the central and southeastern United States, this sage variety adds a soft, naturalistic charm to gardens.

Blooming from late summer to fall, its delicate flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing its value in wildlife-friendly landscapes.

This sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and poor soil conditions once established. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for low-water and prairie-style gardens.

Azure sage's upright, loose growth habit makes it perfect for borders, wildflower gardens, or naturalized settings, where it blends beautifully with ornamental grasses and other tall perennials.

Regular pruning in early spring helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth. With its striking blue blooms and resilience, azure sage is a versatile and rewarding addition to any sunny garden.

Berggarten Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Berggarten’)

Berggarten sage is a compact, hardy variety of 'Salvia officinalis' known for its broad, silvery-gray leaves and dense growth habit.

Unlike other sages, this variety rarely flowers, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want consistent, lush foliage without the distraction of blooms. Its unique appearance and easy care make it a favorite for culinary and ornamental use.

Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Berggarten sage prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH and is drought-tolerant once established.

Its aromatic leaves are highly prized in cooking, offering the same robust flavor as common sage, making it perfect for savory dishes like roasted meats and soups. Its compact size and tidy growth habit make it ideal for small herb gardens, borders, or container plantings.

Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy new growth. With its attractive foliage and versatile uses, Berggarten sage is a practical and decorative addition to any garden.

Greek Sage (Salvia fruticosa)

Greek sage, also known as wild sage or Cretan sage, is a robust, drought-tolerant perennial native to the Mediterranean region.

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It features soft, gray-green leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture and produces delicate, pale purple to violet flowers on tall, slender stems during late spring and summer.

Renowned for its strong, earthy aroma, Greek sage is commonly used in cooking and herbal teas.

This hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil, making it ideal for Mediterranean or xeriscape gardens. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH and requires minimal watering once established.

Greek sage is a culinary favorite, often used as a substitute for common sage due to its more robust flavor.

In gardens, it serves as an excellent ornamental plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Regular pruning helps maintain its bushy shape and encourages new growth. Greek sage's versatility and resilience make it a valuable addition to both herb gardens and decorative landscapes.

Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Texas sage, also known as barometer bush or silverleaf, is a hardy, evergreen shrub native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Despite its common name, it is not a true sage ('Salvia' genus) but earns its title from the sage-like aroma of its silvery-gray leaves.

This plant is highly ornamental, producing vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers after rainfall, often signaling changes in weather—hence the nickname "barometer bush."

Thriving in full sun and well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils, Texas sage is exceptionally drought-tolerant and prefers alkaline to neutral soil conditions. It requires little maintenance, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and low-water landscaping.

While it is not used for culinary purposes, Texas sage is valued for its ability to withstand extreme heat and its role in attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Regular pruning can shape the plant into a dense hedge or accent shrub. With its unique beauty and resilience, Texas sage is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to arid gardens.

Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa)

Jerusalem sage is a Mediterranean native shrub prized for its golden-yellow flowers and woolly, gray-green leaves. Despite its common name, it is not a true sage ('Salvia' genus) but shares similar aromatic qualities and hardiness.

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This evergreen perennial blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of flowers that grow in whorls along tall, arching stems, creating a striking visual display.

Jerusalem sage thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil, tolerating drought and poor soil conditions once established. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or Mediterranean-style gardens.

This plant is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its soft, textured foliage and vibrant blooms make it ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as a low-maintenance landscaping shrub.

Pruning after flowering encourages bushier growth and helps maintain its shape. Jerusalem sage is both ornamental and resilient, offering a bold and unique addition to sunny gardens.

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

Autumn sage is a versatile and colorful perennial shrub native to Texas and Mexico. Known for its tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, purple, or white, this sage variety blooms profusely from spring through fall, providing vibrant color to gardens for much of the year.

Its aromatic, small, green leaves add additional texture and scent, making it a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike.

This hardy plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and heat once established. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for xeriscaping and wildlife gardens.

Autumn sage is highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.

Regular pruning helps maintain its compact shape and encourages continuous blooming. Perfect for borders, containers, or pollinator gardens, autumn sage is a reliable and low-maintenance choice for a burst of long-lasting color.

Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulifolia)

Spanish sage is a compact, evergreen perennial native to the Mediterranean region, known for its narrow, gray-green leaves and delicate, pale lavender-blue flowers.

This aromatic herb is a smaller and more heat-tolerant alternative to common sage, making it a favorite for sunny, dry climates. Its foliage emits a sweet, earthy fragrance and is often used in cooking, teas, and essential oils.

Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Spanish sage prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and is highly drought-tolerant once established. It requires minimal maintenance and is well-suited for xeriscaping, herb gardens, and container planting.

Spanish sage is not only valued for its culinary uses but also for its ornamental appeal and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and prolongs its tidy appearance. With its hardiness, versatility, and aesthetic charm, Spanish sage is a wonderful addition to gardens in warmer regions.

Mealycup Sage (Salvia farinacea)

Mealycup sage, also known as blue sage or mealy sage, is a hardy perennial or annual (depending on the climate) that adds vibrant spikes of blue or purple flowers to gardens.

Native to Texas and Mexico, this sage variety is well-loved for its long blooming season, which extends from late spring to fall. Its slender flower spikes and gray-green foliage create a striking vertical accent in landscapes.

This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought and heat once established.

Mealycup sage is low-maintenance and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while being deer-resistant, adding ecological and practical value to its ornamental appeal.

Though primarily grown for its decorative flowers, it is also sometimes used in dried floral arrangements.

Regular deadheading encourages more blooms and keeps the plant looking tidy. With its resilience and vibrant color, mealycup sage is a versatile and rewarding addition to sunny gardens.

Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens)

Scarlet sage is a vibrant, tropical perennial often grown as an annual in temperate climates. Renowned for its bold, bright red tubular flowers, this variety adds striking color to gardens from summer through fall.

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Native to Brazil, scarlet sage has an upright, bushy growth habit and dark green, heart-shaped leaves that contrast beautifully with its flowers, making it a popular choice for ornamental plantings.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, scarlet sage prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods, to keep it blooming profusely.

This plant is a favorite among pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, making it ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens. Often used in flower beds, borders, and containers, scarlet sage is also a staple in mass plantings for a dramatic effect.

Removing spent blooms encourages continuous flowering and keeps the plant looking fresh. With its vivid color and adaptability, scarlet sage is a showstopper in any sunny landscape.

Anise-Scented Sage (Salvia guaranitica)

Anise-scented sage is a stunning herbaceous perennial known for its deep blue, tubular flowers and aromatic, licorice-scented foliage.

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Native to South America, this sage variety grows tall and bushy, creating a dramatic presence in gardens from midsummer to fall. Its vibrant blooms and unique fragrance make it a favorite for attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

This sage thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH and benefits from consistent moisture, especially in hot weather. Anise-scented sage is low-maintenance and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for borders, pollinator gardens, or as a striking focal point in containers.

While primarily grown for its ornamental beauty and pollinator appeal, its leaves can be used to make herbal teas with a subtle anise flavor.

Regular deadheading encourages prolonged blooming, and pruning in early spring helps maintain its shape and vigor. With its rich color, aromatic foliage, and wildlife-friendly characteristics, anise-scented sage is a standout addition to any garden.

Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii)

Cleveland sage, also known as California blue sage, is a highly aromatic, evergreen shrub native to Southern California and Baja California.

Known for its silvery-gray foliage and clusters of violet to lavender-blue flowers, it adds a striking visual and sensory appeal to landscapes. This sage variety blooms in late spring to summer and is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a favorite in pollinator-friendly gardens.

Thriving in full sun and well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil, Cleveland sage is drought-tolerant and well-suited for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH and requires minimal maintenance once established.

The foliage emits a strong, pleasant fragrance when brushed against or crushed, adding to its appeal as a sensory plant. While it’s primarily ornamental, the leaves are sometimes used in teas and traditional remedies.

Cleveland sage is ideal for borders, slopes, or as a low-maintenance focal point, and its resilience and aromatic qualities make it a valuable addition to dry, sunny gardens. Pruning after blooming helps maintain its shape and encourages fresh growth.

Dwarf Sage (Salvia microphylla)

Dwarf sage, also known as baby sage or blackcurrant sage, is a compact, evergreen shrub native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.

This variety is cherished for its small, aromatic leaves and vibrant, tubular flowers that come in a range of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. The plant’s long blooming season, extending from spring through fall, makes it a favorite for adding continuous color to gardens.

Dwarf sage thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and grows well in a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

This low-maintenance plant is highly attractive to pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its compact size and colorful blooms make it ideal for borders, rock gardens, and container plantings.

Regular pruning helps maintain its shape, encourage fresh blooms, and extend its flowering season. With its hardiness, adaptability, and cheerful flowers, dwarf sage is a versatile and reliable addition to any garden.

Purple Rain Sage (Salvia verticillata)

Purple Rain sage is a striking perennial known for its cascading whorls of deep purple flowers that bloom on tall, arching stems from midsummer to early fall.

Native to Europe and parts of Asia, this variety is highly valued for its unique flower structure and ability to thrive in various conditions. Its gray-green, slightly fuzzy leaves add texture to gardens, making it a versatile ornamental plant.

This sage thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens.

Purple Rain sage is a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. Its bold purple blooms make it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens.

Regular deadheading prolongs blooming, and light pruning in spring encourages fresh growth. With its resilience and vivid color, Purple Rain sage is a beautiful addition to sunny or lightly shaded landscapes.

Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)

Hummingbird sage is a fragrant, evergreen perennial native to California, valued for its striking magenta flower spikes and aromatic, bright green, wrinkled leaves.

True to its name, this sage variety is highly attractive to hummingbirds, as well as bees and butterflies, making it a favorite in wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens. It blooms from late winter to early summer, adding vibrant color during cooler months.

Thriving in partial shade to full sun, hummingbird sage prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for dry, shaded areas or native plant gardens. It grows well in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, and adapts to neutral to slightly acidic pH levels.

Its pleasant fragrance makes it a popular choice for sensory gardens, while its flowers and leaves are sometimes used in teas and traditional remedies. Hummingbird sage is perfect for ground cover, under oaks, or as an ornamental accent in naturalized settings.

Minimal pruning is needed, but occasional cutting back after flowering helps maintain its appearance and vigor. With its hardiness and vibrant blooms, hummingbird sage is a delightful addition to low-water gardens.

 


Sage plants offer a remarkable blend of beauty, utility, and resilience, making them a valuable addition to any garden.

Whether you’re cultivating herbs for the kitchen, attracting pollinators, or enhancing your landscape with colorful blooms, there’s a sage variety to meet your needs.

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