Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is an evergreen shrubby herb with soft, silver-grey, slightly velvety leaves that are strongly aromatic when brushed. Spikes of small violet-blue flowers appear in early summer and are popular with bees.
It likes full sun and light, well-drained soil, and it doesn’t like sitting wet in winter. Trimming it lightly after flowering keeps it bushy, and the leaves can be picked for the kitchen all year round.
