Kitchen Sage
Salvia officinalis
- Native to:
- Albania, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Spain, Switzerland
Kurt Stüber [1] (www.kurtstueber.de)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Salvia
- Species:
- Salvia officinalis
- USDA Symbol:
- SAOF2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, blue, violet, pink, white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Hermit sphinx (Sphinx eremitus), Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy to loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean, prefers rocky soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–21 days
- Notes:
- Requires light for germination; do not cover seeds. Germinates best at 60-70°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.