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Herbs - CulinaryShrubs

Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens Variegata' (v)

sage 'Purpurascens Variegata'

A bushy, spreading evergreen sub-shrub or woody-based perennial, with aromatic, wrinkled grey-green leaves that are finely edged with cream, and flushed with purple when young. Spikes of pale blue flowers are produced in early summer

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver Cream Variegated
Summer Blue Green Grey Silver Cream Variegated
Autumn Green Grey Silver Cream Variegated
Winter Green Grey Silver Cream Variegated
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus

Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in a sunny spot, in moderately fertile soil with good drainage. Drought tolerant once established. Protect from excess winter wet. See sage cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 9 in spring. Cut back flower spikes after flowering to keep plants compact. This cultivar sometimes reverts, any reverted (non-variegated) stems should be cut out

Pests

May be susceptible to rosemary beetle, sage leafhopper and capsid bug

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

Get involved

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