# Is Sage a Perennial Herb?
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White Sage
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Sage exhibits bluish-gray leaves and a strong fragrance. White sage (Artemisia ludovicianaor) has a long history of use among the Indian tribes of the Western plains, White sage, also known as wild sage, wild sagebrush, man sage or prairie sage, was burned in sweat lodges with the flowering end pointing toward the fire. The leaves were burned as an incense to cleanse the body and spirit. White sage is a low-growing perennial found throughout the American West.
Russian Sage
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Perennial Russian sage is a shrublike plant that has blue flowers and fragrant foliage. Russian sage grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet and thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 8. The plant prefers full sun and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. More than 900 varieties of sage exist. Russian sage is one of the many varieties used as an ornamental garden plant.
Usage
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Sage is used as a culinary flavoring in vinegars, omelets, soups, stews and poultry stuffing. Sage dries and stores well. Sage is used as decorative addition to herbal wreaths and nosegays. Tightly tied bundles of sage, known as smudges, are burned as incense to purify the air and rid the home of past bad karma or spirits. Sage is effective in repelling insects.
Cultivation
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Sage can be planted directly in the garden or in pots or containers. Perennial and evergreen, sage is used as a garden accent. Plant sage in full sun in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Sage benefits from an application of aged herbivore manure (cow, sheep, goat, horse, chicken) applied around the base of the plant twice a year. Cultivate lightly to work into the soil and water well. Sage thrives in USDA zones 5 through 11. In colder climates, sage is best grown in containers and protected from freezing temperatures. Mexican and Guatemalan sage require a hot and dry environment. Lyre leaf sage will tolerate cooler climates and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8.
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