Herb Sage – Tricoloured (Sal via officinalis ‘Tricolor’)

Description

Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’

Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’, commonly known as Tricolor Sage, is a striking ornamental and culinary herb prized for its variegated foliage. The evergreen leaves display an attractive mixture of purple-pink, cream, and grey-green colouration, adding year-round interest to herb gardens, borders and containers. This compact subshrub typically reaches 45-60 cm in height with a similar spread, forming a neat, rounded habit.

Tricolor Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring a moderately fertile, alkaline medium. Established plants possess excellent drought tolerance but require protection from harsh winter wet. For optimal growth, plant in a sheltered position away from cold, drying winds. Regular pruning in spring helps maintain its compact form and encourages fresh, colourful growth.

Like standard sage, the aromatic leaves can be used in cooking, albeit with a slightly milder flavour. In summer, the plant produces spikes of lilac-blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Propagation is best achieved through semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer, as seed-grown plants rarely retain the distinctive tricolour patterning.