Sage Plants

Sage is a herb that aids digestion which is why it combines so well with rich meat such as pork but we also like it in herb butters or chopped up and cooked in butter to serve with pasta such as ravioli.  We wouldn’t be without sage for its simple medicinal properties. Purple Sage is especially good in a mouthwash for relieving infection and ulcers. With the exception of Golden Sage which is just enjoyed for its glorious foliage, Sage produces stunning blue flowers which are much appreciated by bees and other pollinators. Occasionally, you may come across a green Sage which doesn’t flower because various new types have been specially bred for leaf production aimed at fresh cut field crops.  We also grow Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) and the annual Clary, Painted Sage (Salvia horminum) whose colourful bracts make a real splash in the garden or flower vase.   Clary Sage is medicinal and a wonderful and aromatic stately garden herb with flowers tinted with lilac, pink and cream. It is also said to be deer resistant so good to grow if you (like us!) are plagued with Muntjac!  Clary Sage is used for a ‘muscatel’ flavour in wine making and as a fixative in the perfumery trade. Try running your hand up this plant when in flower. The grapefruit scent will remain on your hand for a very long time!   Clary Sage is sometimes called ‘Clear Eye’ because the seeds can be made into an eye wash. Finally we have what we call the fruit sages, Salvia elegans.  Pineapple and Tangerine are two of these and the remarkable foliage scent gives them their names. They are a wonderful addition to drinks and fruit salads. Sadly, they are not frost hardy but given a large enough pot they more than reward in the home by displaying bright red flowers often at Christmas.