Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ (Purple Sage)

Description

Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurea”

Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurea’, commonly known as Purple Sage, holds a revered place among Britain’s essential herbs, alongside parsley, rosemary, and thyme. This variety is distinguished by its stunning glaucous purple foliage, adding a striking visual element to any herb garden or landscape. Known for its savoury, slightly peppery flavour, sage is a staple ingredient in many European cuisines, particularly Italian, Balkan, and Middle Eastern dishes. In British and American culinary traditions, it is prized for its role in sage and onion stuffing, a classic accompaniment to roast turkey or chicken, especially during the festive Christmas season.

Purple Sage thrives in a sunny, well-drained site, making it an easy addition to herb gardens, kitchen gardens, or containers. With its aromatic foliage and culinary versatility, Purple Sage adds both visual appeal and flavourful depth to a variety of dishes. To maintain its vigour and shape, it is advisable to prune the plant hard in the spring, promoting healthy growth and abundant foliage. Associated unusual plants that complement the beauty of Purple Sage include Common Thyme, Thymus ‘Silver Posie’ and Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’.