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Salvia or Sage is the largest genus of plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, including approximately 900 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals. The most known species is Salvia officinalis used as culinary herb.

Salvia officinalis “Icterina” is a very attractive, yellow and green variegated form of sage that has a mound-forming, subshrubby habit. The aromatic, evergreen, velvety leaves can be used in cooking. Less significant spikes of small, lilac-blue flowers appear in early summer. Ideal for a herb or kitchen garden. “Key Gold” is a very similar plant, although its leaves are often completely yellow.

This Sage officinalis grow in moist but well-drained, fairly fertile, humus-rich soil. Place it in full sun or partial shade.

Salvia officinalis “Purpurascens Group” is also called purple sage. Purple Sage is an upright, evergreen subshrub, suitable for a sunny border. Its red-purple young leaves and spikes of lilac-blue flowers are an attractive combination, the latter appearing during the first half of summer. The foliage is aromatic and can be used for culinary purposes. A useful plant to add color to a herb garden.

Purple Sage grows in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Trim to shade each year after flowering.

Salvia officinalis “Tricolor” is a variegated species of Sage and is an upright, evergreen perennial with grey-green woolly, aromatic leaves with cream and pink to beetroot purple marking. In early to mid-summer, it carries spikes of lilac-blue flowers, attractive to butterflies. Less hardy than the species, so choose a warm, sheltered site, or grow for summer display.

Tricolor Sage grows in moist but well-drained, reasonably fertile soil enriched with organic matter, in full sun or light dappled shade. Shelter it from winter wet and cold, drying winds and trim back untidy growth each year after flowering.