Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Hardy, semi-evergreen, perennial herb
Description: Spikes of pale lavender flowers are borne over the soft green foliage
Habit: Grows to 2.5 feet tall and wide
Culture: Prefers full sun and ordinary, well-drained soil; tolerates dry conditions
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4
Origin: Mediterranean
Attributes: Evergreen, Drought tolerant, Deer resistant, Attracts bees and butterflies
Jefferson Documented

This Mediterranean shrub has been grown in gardens since at least the thirteenth century. It was thought to prolong life, even "render men immortal." Sage was a standard item in gardens from colonial times, and was included by Thomas Jefferson in a list of "Objects for the garden this year" in 1794. The term Salvia comes from the Latin salveo meaning "I am well," a reference to its virtuous powers. In addition to being a useful culinary herb, Sage is an attractive ornamental dwarf shrub that attracts bees and butterflies, but is not favored by deer.

Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis) arrives in a 2.5" square pot.