Do Purple Sage Bushes Have a Nice Smell?

Location

• Purple sage is an herbaceous, sun-hungry perennial that requires a bright, full sun location. A south-, west- or east-facing location is preferable. The Missouri Botanical Garden recommends the plant for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 9, while Fine Gardening suggests the cooler temperatures found in USDA zones 5 to 8. Purple sage is semi-evergreen, so it may lose some of its aromatic leaves to frost in the winter, particularly where borderline-hardy. Planting the herb in a sheltered location may help keep it warm.

Culture

• Like other members of the Salvia genus, purple sage absolutely must have soil with good drainage. A rocky or sandy soil is ideal. Water occasionally to encourage healthy growth, but never allow the soil to become wet or water-logged. Purple sage is a desert plant that has low water requirements and generally thrives on neglect. Root rot is common in poorly draining soil. Propagate by dividing the plant in spring, taking cuttings any time throughout the growing season.

Uses

• Though less commonly used in the kitchen than common sage (Salvia officinalis), purple sage nonetheless offers pungent leaves that can be used fresh or dry to season dishes in a range of culinary styles. Not surprisingly for a member of the mint family, purple sage attracts bees, hummingbirds and butterflies in droves with its flowers. Purple sage can be used to add texture, color and fragrance to a mixed perennial border, Mediterranean theme-garden or rock garden.

Considerations

• Also known as cenizo, Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) is also commonly called purple sage. Texas sage has silvery, wrinkled leaves topped with bright purple flowers. Misleadingly, Texas sage is actually a member of the figwort family and is not aromatic. The leaves are sometimes used in a tea, which the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center describes as having a smell similar to sweaty socks. The plant may be grown in a sunny location with well-draining soil in USDA zones 7 to 10.