The Relative Species of the Herb Sage

Favorite Ornamentals

• Tricolor sage (Salvia officinalis tricolor), golden sage (Salvia officinalis icterina) and purple sage (salvia officinalis purpurascens) are popular ornamental herbs. Tricolor sage, with its variegated leaves of green, pink, white and purple, is a show stopper in the garden. The plant, which grows to a height of 16 inches, has small blue flowers that bloom in the summer. Golden sage has variegated leaves of green and a yellow/gold color that give it a nice contrast against other plants in the garden. It also grows to a height of 16 inches. Purple sage has deep purple leaves and purple/blue flowers that bloom in the summer. It grows to a height of about two feet. These herbs are spreading plants, so allow room for them to grow in width as well as height. Some of these ornamentals have a mild sage flavor and can also be used for culinary purposes, though the flavor is not as intense as that of garden sage.

Clary Sage -- A Popular Medicinal Variety

• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is used as an essential oil for its calming properties, according to Marshland Herb Nursery. The herb was called "clear eye" at one time, as it was thought to cure eye infections and cataracts. In the garden, it has large, hairy leaves and sports large bracts of attractive pink flowers in its second year. The leaves can be fried in batter and eaten like fritters. It is a biennial herb and is the tallest of the herb species, reaching three to four feet in height.

Pineapple Sage -- A Culinary Herb

• Pineapple sage (Satureia hortensis) is a subtropical plant, so it must be protected from frost or taken indoors in colder regions. This herb is known for its intoxicating pineapple scent, as it has deliciously fragrant light green leaves. In the fall its scarlet flowers make it attractive in the garden. It grows two to three feet tall and makes a good container plant. Pineapple sage can be used in recipes like smoothies and salsa, added to salads or salad dressings and in baked goods like fritters.

Cardinal Sage -- A Garden Stunner

• Cardinal sage (Salvia fulgens), also known as Mexican red sage, is a delight to grow in the garden. It produces spikes of stunning red flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. It has a strong aromatic scent and grows to a height of two to three feet. It is a perennial, flowering every second year. With its strong showy habit, cardinal sage makes a great focal point in the garden.