Salvia 'Purpurea'

Another perennial herb, Salvia (Sage) Purpurea is planted for its stunning green to purple foliage, having aromatic leaves which can be used as a culinary herb. Once established, the plant tends to flower in the spring to early summer period. The flowers are tubular, appearing in spike like clusters. Again, the plant acts as a pollinator in the garden, attracting bees and insects.

Sage Purpurea is quite a tall plant, reaching  between 2-3 feet ( 60-90cm), with a horizontal spread of between 1.5 to 2 feet ( 45- 60 cm). It should  be planted in a well drained border, or in a container, although if in a container, it must be protected during periods of heavy frost ( greater than minus 6 degrees C ) to ensure it survives the winter. Prolonged waterlogging will kill it over winter.

Once established, this plant should grow for many years, and will benefit from the application of fertilizer in the spring, to promote new growth. It would also benefit from being mulched to suppress weed growth.

The plant makes a useful companion plant for a culinary herb garden.