Salvia

Sage is a genus in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It has a worldwide distribution. There are over 1000 species and many more hybrids and cultivars. Most members of this genus are small, upright shrubs or herbaceous perennials reaching 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. The name Salvia is derived from the Latin word salvare, which means “to save” and refers to the plant's life-saving medicinal properties.

Sages are usually easy to grow. They need to be planted in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. They are drought- and salt-tolerant and resistant to deer and rabbits. Propagate by division, seed, or stem cutting. 

The sage genus is especially diverse in Turkey and the Mediterranean and in Mexico and adjacent regions. Many of the Mexican species are attractive to hummingbirds, whereas the Old World species are attractive to bees. Many species have showy bracts on the inflorescence. Most species have aromatic foliage, but the flowers lack fragrance. Several species are used as culinary herbs (sage, rosemary, pineapple sage), perfume (clary sage [Salvia sclarea]), and medicine (Salvia miltiorrhiza). The fruit type of sages is a small, dry, four-lobed fruit that breaks apart into four nutlets (schizocarp). Each nutlet contains a single seed. The schizocarpic nutlets are usually regarded as “seeds” by the non-botanist. Chia “seeds” are the schizocarpic nutlets of chia (Salvia hispanica). The nutlets of some species, including chia, produce a mucilage when wetted. The mucilage affixes the nutlet to the soil (or a terracotta figurine) and retains water. The nutlets are eagerly sought by seed-eating birds, including goldfinches. Sages are some of the easiest plants to propagate by stem cuttings. 

The flowers provide excellent color in the border, so sages are welcome additions to the native, butterfly, pollinator, or drought-tolerant gardens. Edible species are also excellent in an herb garden. 

Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Whitefly, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are sometimes a problem. Rust, powdery mildew, stem rot, and fungal leaf spot are disease problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.