Sage, garden sage, red sage

Sage is a popular species for the kitchen garden in the United Kingdom, since it is frost hardy and provides fragrant leaves throughout the year. The leaves are most commonly used for culinary purposes, but were once equally important for medicinal remedies.

Sage can reach up to 1m in height, bearing soft grey-green leaves that are purple coloured until maturity. The spikes of purple flowers attract bees to pollinate them.

Species information

Distribution: Southern Europe, Mediterranean; cultivated worldwide

Habitat: Grow in a dry, well-drained position.

Form: Shrub

Scientific name: Salvia officinalis L. (Labiatae)

Sage has long been used as an antiseptic mouthwash to treat sore throats, sore gums and mouth ulcers. The leaves are rich in plant compounds called terpenoids which are known to have antibacterial effects. Laboratory tests on aromatic sage oil and leaf extracts have confirmed their antibacterial properties.