Salvia Officinalis - Common Sage

The bush sage, Salvia officinalis, is an aromatic perennial shrub, fragrant and honey-bearing well known as a medicinal plant for its benefits and as a condiment. This "sacred herb" is a Mediterranean species that comes in several interesting varieties for their variously coloured foliage, the size of their leaves, their vigour, or the colour of their flowering. Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten Variegated' has foliage variegated with very bright cream white, while the Tricolor Sage has foliage variegated with pink, white, and greyish green and is adorned in June-July with long pale pinkish mauve floral spikes like the classic sage. 'Albiflora' has white flowers, while the variety 'Aurea' is adorned with yellow-edged leaves. Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' astonishes with its young purple leaves, 'Elephant Ear' has large and particularly flavourful leaves used in Italian cuisine. In the garden, don't hesitate to mix genres by planting bush sage in the middle of your perennial beds or even in rockeries. It will integrate perfectly and fill in gaps without requiring maintenance, as it is frugal and very hardy. The sometimes strong fragrances of aromatic plants often have the ability to repel insects that may attack more delicate plants such as certain roses or lilies. Bush sage has real ornamental qualities that will be well exploited in a garden that leaves room for nature, whether it be a country-style garden or a herb garden.