Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' (purple sage)

Culinary Sage • Ornamental Foliage • Pollinator Friendly

Purple Sage is a striking cultivar of common culinary sage, grown as much for its deep purple, velvety foliage as for its classic sage flavor. The leaves hold their color well through the growing season, adding texture and contrast to herb gardens, borders, and mixed plantings.

In spring, plants send up spikes of purplish-blue flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The foliage is fully edible and can be used anywhere traditional sage is called for, with the added benefit of lending a subtle purple tint to vinegars and infusions.

Purple Sage grows as a compact, woody-based shrub and is long-lived when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a reliable choice for both ornamental and culinary gardens.

Why Grow Purple Sage

• Rich purple foliage with strong visual appeal
• Classic sage flavor suitable for cooking
• Edible leaves that color vinegars and infusions
• Spring flowers support pollinators
• Evergreen in mild climates

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’
• Plant Type: Evergreen to deciduous shrub (depending on climate)
• Size: About 2 ft tall x 3 ft wide
• Sun: Full sun
• USDA Zones: 5–9
• Water: Low to moderate once established
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential

Good air circulation and occasional pruning help keep plants compact and productive over time.

Culinary Uses

Flavor:

Classic savory sage flavor—earthy, warm, and aromatic.

Common Uses

• Fresh or dried leaves for meats, stuffing, and vegetables
• Purple-tinted vinegars and herb infusions
• Sage butter, oils, and compound butters
• Decorative edible leaves for plating and garnish

Harvest lightly but regularly to encourage fresh growth and maintain strong flavor.

The spring flowers provide an early nectar source for bees, making Purple Sage both useful in the kitchen and supportive of garden ecology.

• Poultry, pork, and roasted root vegetables
• Garlic, onion, and thyme
• Lemon zest and white wine vinegars
• Olive oil and butter

Pollinator Value

The spring flowers provide an early nectar source for bees, making Purple Sage both useful in the kitchen and supportive of garden ecology.