This aromatic evergreen herb produces broad, textured grey-green leaves with a soft, velvety surface and a wonderfully rich sage fragrance. Salvia officinalis ‘Maxima’ is a larger-leaved form of common sage, valued for its culinary uses as well as its ornamental qualities in herb gardens and borders. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in sunny, well-drained positions and produces attractive purple-blue flowers in summer that are loved by pollinators.
Salvia officinalis ‘Maxima’, commonly known as Large-Leaved Sage, is a robust and productive cultivar of culinary sage. The generous leaf size makes it especially useful in the kitchen, while its compact shrub-like growth and soft foliage add structure and texture to herb gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, and wildlife-friendly borders.
Perennial
Evergreen, Aromatic Herb, Pollinator-Friendly
Flowers: Late spring to early summer
Foliage: Evergreen year-round
Scientific Name
Salvia officinalis ‘Maxima’ (salvia from Latin salvare meaning “to heal”, referring to its long history in herbal medicine)
Common Name
Large-Leaved Sage, Culinary Sage
Origin
Cultivar of Salvia officinalis, native to the Mediterranean region including southern Europe.
Pruning Tips
Lightly trim after flowering to keep plants compact and encourage fresh growth. Avoid cutting into old woody stems as sage can struggle to regenerate from them.
Wildlife Value
The purple-blue flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it a valuable plant for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Positioning
Prefers a sunny position with plenty of warmth. Ideal for herb gardens, raised beds, containers, or Mediterranean-style borders.
Water
Water regularly while the plant is establishing. Once mature, sage is quite drought tolerant and prefers slightly drier conditions rather than consistently damp soil.
Soil
Requires well-draining soil and performs best in sandy or gritty soils. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained ground which can cause root rot.
Food
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser or add compost around the base to support healthy growth.
Pet-safe
Generally considered non-toxic to pets in small culinary amounts.
Sprouts Top Tips
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody and sparse.
