Purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’) is an herb that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’).
This plant is commonly known as purple sage.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: purple sage
Scientific name: Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’
Plant type: Herbs, Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: Drought resistant, Plants for pollinators, RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’) – Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Purple sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’) – Petar43, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
