Tricolor Sage
Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor'
Beautiful variegated sage with green, purple, and cream-colored leaves that make it a standout ornamental plant. Perfect for adding color and texture to herb gardens and borders.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance
Tricolor sage features stunning variegated leaves with three distinct colors: green, purple, and cream. The leaves are oval-shaped with a slightly fuzzy texture, and the variegation pattern can vary from leaf to leaf, creating a unique and colorful display.
Growth Habit
This compact perennial grows 1-2 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens and containers. It has a bushy, mounding growth habit and produces small purple flowers in late spring to early summer, though many gardeners pinch these off to encourage more leaf production.
Flavor Profile
The flavor is similar to common sage but slightly milder. The variegated leaves retain their culinary properties while adding visual interest to dishes. The cream-colored portions are slightly more tender than the green and purple areas.
Growing Requirements
🌞 Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade. Variegation 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.
📏 Mature Size
1-2 feet tall and wide. Compact, mounding growth.
Ornamental Value
Tricolor sage is highly prized for its ornamental qualities. The variegated foliage provides excellent color contrast and visual interest in gardens, making it a favorite among landscape designers and home gardeners.
Landscape Uses
- Herb gardens: Striking focal point and color accent
- Mixed borders: Excellent contrast plant
- Container gardens: Beautiful in pots and planters
- Edging: Low-growing border plant
- Rock gardens: Adds color to rocky landscapes
Culinary Uses
While primarily grown for its ornamental value, tricolor sage can also be used in cooking. The variegated leaves add visual appeal to dishes while providing the familiar sage flavor.
Best Uses
- Garnishes: Beautiful plate decoration
- Herb butter: Adds color and flavor
- Salads: Edible and decorative
- Tea: Mild herbal tea
- Dried arrangements: Retains color when dried
Quick Facts
Care Tips
- • Pinch flowers to encourage leaf growth
- • Prune in spring to maintain shape
- • Provide good drainage
- • Protect from extreme cold
- • Divide every 2-3 years
Design Tips
- • Use as focal point
- • Pair with solid-colored plants
- • Excellent in containers
- • Great for small spaces
- • Attracts beneficial insects
Growing Tricolor Sage
Planting
- • Plant in spring after last frost
- • Space 12-18 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
- • Pinch flowers for leaf growth
- • Divide every 2-3 years
Variegation Care
Light
Full sun for best color
Pruning
Regular pruning maintains shape
Propagation
Cuttings preserve variegation
Ready to Grow Tricolor Sage?
Explore our growing guides and discover more sage varieties.