This tender perennial herb boasts fragrant leaves and bright, bicoloured flowers. Hardy through most of the UK down to -15°C; may need protection in harsh winters.
More than just a herb, this sage flowers all summer, with red-and-white flowers which provide nectar for various pollinators. In cooler summers, you will see more white on the petals; when it's warmer, there will be more deep red/purple colouring. Sometimes you might even get single coloured flowers!
Tender perennial
Flowering herb: bushy growth
Flowers June to September, foliage spring to autumn.
Scientific Name Salvia greggii (Gregg's healthy plant) 'Cherry Lips'
Common Name Sage, Autumn Sage, Cherry Lips sage
Origin Native to North America, from Southwest Texas to northern Mexico.
Pruning Tips Prune in spring to get rid of old growth from the previous year. Deadhead flowers to encourage further blooming.
Wildlife Value Supplies nectar for butterflies and nectar-drinking moths; known to be popular with bees too, especially good forage for bumblebees.
Positioning Grow this sage in full sun. Water Soil should be moist but not soggy; this plant does not like to be waterlogged so make sure it is somewhere water can drain from.
Soil Soil should be moist and well-draining.
Food Add a layer of mulch annually in spring to keep the soil around this plant fertile.
Pet-safe Yes- no toxicity reported, though it's best for the plant and your pets if they don't nibble too much!
Sprouts Top Tips Sage can suffer in the cold and wet of a British winter, so bring your plants under cover to protect them in cold winters.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.