SAGE
Salvia
This large member of the mint family comprises over 750 species of annuals and perennials, widely distributed throughout the world. The main culinary varieties are popular with onions for poultry stuffing and for flavoring rich meats like pork or duck. Also in homemade sausage, omelets, cheese and bean dishes. Sage tea gargle is valuable for sore throat.
GARDEN SAGE
Salvia officinalis
Grey-green pebbly leaves, pale blue flowers The most commonly grown culinary variety.
BERGARTTEN SAGE
Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten'
Large grey-blue silvery leaves and robust, low habit.
GOLDEN SAGE
Salvia officinalis 'Aurea'
Leaves a lovely charteuse-yellow enhanced by dark green areas around the veins.
PURPLE SAGE
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'
Aromatic purple foliage. Used in stuffings, sausages, omelettes, soups, stews. Winter mulch.
TRICOLOR SAGE
Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor'
Aromatic foliage with white and pink streaks. Grow in/outdoors in full sun. Winter mulch.
The above sage varieties, although predominately Mediterranean plants, are sufficiently hardy to withstand Zone 5 winter without protection, as long as the site is as warm and dry as possible and the soil is well drained.
In most areas of the southeast (zones 5 to 6), sage is an evergreen plant and the leaves can be used fresh anytime of the year.
OTHER (ORNAMENTAL) SAGES
HUMMINGBIRD SAGE
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
(Anise-scented sage; Guarani sage) This is the best of the sages for attracting hummingbirds. Praised for its brilliant deep blue and black flowers on 15in spikes appearing from early summer until frost. Ht. 4.5ft.
PINEAPPLE SAGE
Salvia elegans (S. rutilans)
Fabulous pineapple scent. Brilliant red flowers in Fall. Use for drinks, chicken, cheese and in jams and jellies. Pinch to keep bushy.
PERUVIAN SAGE
Salvia discolor
Scent is a rather pleasant complex of fruit, eucalyptus and resin. Striking deep purple flowers.
The ornamental sages listed above are tender perennials, to be treated as annuals or potted houseplants
