Purple Sage
Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens'
A stunning variety with deep purple foliage that adds both flavor and visual appeal to your garden and kitchen. The purple leaves intensify in color during cooler weather.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance
Purple sage features striking deep purple to burgundy leaves that create a dramatic contrast in the garden. The leaves are oval-shaped with a slightly fuzzy texture, similar to common sage but with the distinctive purple coloration that intensifies in cooler weather.
Growth Habit
This perennial herb grows in a compact, bushy form reaching 18-24 inches in height and width. It produces small purple flowers in late spring to early summer, though many gardeners prefer to pinch these off to encourage more leaf production.
Flavor Profile
The flavor is similar to common sage but slightly milder and more delicate. The purple leaves retain their culinary properties while adding visual interest to dishes. The color can bleed slightly when cooked, creating beautiful purple-tinted sauces and dishes.
Growing Requirements
🌞 Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade. Purple coloration is most intense in full sun.
💧 Water Needs
Low to moderate. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
🌱 Soil Type
Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Tolerates poor soil conditions.
📏 Mature Size
18-24 inches tall and wide. Compact, bushy growth habit.
Culinary Uses
Purple sage is excellent for culinary use, offering the same flavor profile as common sage with added visual appeal. The purple leaves can be used fresh or dried in any recipe calling for sage.
Best Uses
- Stuffing: Adds beautiful color to holiday stuffing
- Pasta dishes: Creates striking purple-tinted sauces
- Roasted meats: Beautiful garnish and flavor
- Herb butter: Adds color and flavor
- Tea: Mild, pleasant herbal tea
Ornamental Value
Purple sage is highly valued for its ornamental qualities. The deep purple foliage provides excellent contrast in herb gardens, mixed borders, and container plantings.
Landscape Uses
- Herb gardens: Striking focal point
- Mixed borders: Excellent contrast plant
- Container gardens: Beautiful in pots
- Edging: Low-growing border plant
- Cut flowers: Foliage adds to arrangements
Quick Facts
Care Tips
- • Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth
- • Prune in spring to maintain shape
- • Harvest leaves regularly for best flavor
- • Protect from extreme cold in winter
- • Divide every 3-4 years
Companion Plants
- • Rosemary
- • Thyme
- • Lavender
- • Oregano
- • Marjoram
Growing Purple Sage
Planting
- • Plant in spring after last frost
- • Space 18-24 inches apart
- • Plant at same depth as container
- • Water thoroughly after planting
- • Mulch around base of plant
Maintenance
- • Water deeply once per week
- • Fertilize lightly in spring
- • Prune in early spring
- • Harvest leaves regularly
- • Divide every 3-4 years
Seasonal Care
Spring
Plant, prune, fertilize
Summer
Harvest, water, pinch flowers
Fall
Final harvest, prepare for winter
Winter
Protect, minimal care
Ready to Grow Purple Sage?
Explore our growing guides and discover more sage varieties.