Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
4a-8b
USDA zone
-34°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 1m |
50cm | Min | 50cm |
4 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea' Overview
Sage is an attractive, hardy, low maintenance plant that can tolerate poor soil conditions and drought. It has many uses, including culinary, medicinal, insect repellent or ornamental. 'Purpurea' is a cultivar of Sage that has beautiful purple and green foliage and purple-blue flowers that grow on terminal racemes.
Common problems with Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'
Sage is susceptible to stem rot and whiteflies.
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea' Companion Plants
How to harvest Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'
Leaves can be harvested throughout the year, preferably before the flowers open. Harvest lightly in the first year to ensure that the plant grows fully. Sage is best fresh but can be frozen or dried.
How to propagate Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'
Seed
Start seeds indoors in frost areas 6-10 weeks before transplanting or sow seeds directly in Spring and Summer. Germination takes 2 weeks.
Cuttings
Take half ripe stem or shoot cuttings 5-10 cm long or mature cuttings 7-10 cm long from Spring to Autumn and plant out directly. Keep moist until well-rooted
Division
Divide plants in Spring.
Layering
Air layer in Spring or Autumn.
Special features of Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'
Attracts bees
Attracts butterflies
Repels harmful insects
Sage repels ants, black flea beetle, cabbage fly, cabbage looper and cabbage maggot
Drought resistant
Pot plant
Other uses of Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'
Edible
The leaves are edible and have a savoury, slightly peppery flavour. The flowers and leaves can be eaten raw, cooked, boiled or pickled.
Medicinal
Used as a homoeopathic medicine. The oil is thought to have astringent and stimulant properties and soothe muscle stiffness, rheumatism, and neuralgic conditions. It is antiseptic and anti-viral.