Types of sage: essential varieties, care and uses with photos

Salvias form a very large genus of the Lamiaceae family that includes hundreds of species Herbaceous, perennial, annual, and sub-shrub plants. Although in everyday use, culinary sage is commonly thought of Salvia officinalis, there is a huge range of varieties with spectacular flowers, unique aromas and diverse uses. They are widely distributed in both hemispheres and have a truly unique pollination mechanism through a staminal lever which facilitates the deposit of pollen on insects and birds.

If you are looking to understand how many types of salvias there are, how to distinguish them, what care they require and what their applications are, here you will find a complete guide with key species, featured cultivars, cultivation recommendations and most relevant properties.

Salvia officinalis

Known as common sage, it is a perennial semi-shrub with greenish-grey foliage and intense aroma. It is used both in cooking and gardening. It forms medium-sized clumps, produces flower spikes In shades of lilac to violet, it thrives in full sun in well-drained soils. It tolerates cold relatively well, especially in sheltered locations with waterlogged soil.

In the kitchen it contributes bitter and slightly spicy nuances that enhance meats, fish, and pasta. It is also the basis of numerous traditional infusions and herbal preparations. It has been cultivated for centuries for its versatility and its vitamin content. essential oils and phenolic compounds.

Main culinary cultivars of Salvia officinalis

• Dwarf: compact size, ideal for pots and borders, with violet-blue flowers.
• Purpurascens: purple foliage and young stems; when flowering, it does so in purple-blue clusters.
• Icterin or golden sage: very decorative green-yellow leaves, valid as ornamental and culinary.
• Tricolor: green leaves with white jagged edges and pink or violet hues; milder flavor.
• berggarten: large, rounded leaves and velvety texture; it does not usually flower, but it is very aromatic.
• Aurea: varieties with golden tones in the foliage, highly appreciated in gardening.

Salvia microphylla

Originating from Mexico and areas of the American Southwest, it is known as small-leaved sage. It develops clusters of flowers in ranges from pink to magenta red and gives off a minty aroma when its leaves are rubbed. It's very hardy and can continue to flower in moderate cold if the soil drains well.

It is often confused with Salvia greggi; both share a bushy character and prolonged flowering, and from their crosses arises S. x jamensisAmong the most popular cultivars are the bicolors such as Hot Lips (white and cherry red) or darker foliage selections such as Potosí Hill, which provide contrast in flowerbeds and mixed beds.

Suitable for low maintenance gardens, it tolerates pruning after each flush of flowers and appreciates locations with abundant sunshineIts height is usually around one metre, making it ideal as a light hedge or a colourful mass.

Salvia Guaranitica

It is a vigorous and aromatic sage, highly appreciated for its deep blue spikes. Native to South America, it grows to a good size and blooms profusely from the warm season until well into the good weather. It requires loose soils, fertile and with regular irrigation, without excess humidity.

It is used to attract pollinators, especially hummingbirds and bees, thanks to its nectar-rich tubular flowers. It is advisable to protect the base with mulch to improve resistance to cold spells, and perform formative pruning to keep the clump's volume under control.

sage splendens

Known as scarlet sage or coralillo, it is a very popular herbaceous plant for its very striking red spikes that appear from summer onwards. It works wonderfully in flowerbeds, borders and containers, providing continuous colour. It prefers warm locations, substrate with good drainage and regular watering to avoid flooding.

It's often used as an annual in cold climates, with the planting renewed each season. To maintain compact flowering, it's best to remove wilted inflorescences and apply a balanced fertilizer regularly. It's an excellent choice for combinations with blue-flowering salvias and gray foliage.

sage elegans

Called pineapple sage by the fruity aroma From its foliage, it produces very elongated red tubular flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. It's ideal for sensory gardens and for placing near steps, where touching it releases its fragrance.

There are cultivars with interesting aromatic and floral nuances, such as Scarlet Pineapple (more intense and with large flowers), Honey Melon (sweet touch of melon), Tangerines (reminders of tangerine) or Sonoran Red (darker foliage and generous flowering). It doesn't tolerate severe frost; in cool areas, it's best to protect it or grow it in a pot to protect it during the cold season.

It prefers full sun or light semi-shade, porous soils and moderate watering. After flowering, a light clipping stimulates new shoots and keeps the plant compact.

Other types of sage

• Sage apiana or white sage: forms silvery clumps due to the dense pubescence of its leaves; produces clusters of white flowers Sometimes veined in violet. In addition to being ornamental, it is used in traditional practices and incense. It requires full sun, well-draining soil, and spaced watering.
• Sage leucantha or Mexican sage: unfolds velvety bunches Purple with white or monochrome flowers, it grows to a good size. It blooms profusely at the end of the warm season and tolerates periods of drought. It can withstand moderate temperature drops if the soil drains well.
• sage farinacea or blue sage: spikes of intense purplish blue. There are cultivars in shades of indigo, violet, blue and white bicolors, and pure white. It is perfect for flowerbeds and pots; from the cross with S. longispicata the hybrid known for its long inflorescences emerges.
• Salvia melissodora: woody shrub with violet and yellow flowers sweet scent reminiscent of grapes. Very attractive to pollinators; requires warmth and sun exposure.
• Salvia greggi y S. x jamensis: close to S. microphylla, with blooms in shades of red, pink and bicolor; ideal for almost continuous flowering with light maintenance pruning.
• salvia uliginosa y Salvia chamaedryoidesThe first, with luminous blues and a loose appearance; the second, with grayish foliage and deep blue flowers, both very useful in compositions with grasses.

Pollination mechanism and diversity

The most distinctive feature of the genre is a lever mechanism in its stamens that deposits pollen on the back or head of the pollinator when it pushes for nectar. When visiting another flower, the stigma is strategically placed to collect that pollen. This innovation has favored a great radiation of species and explains the variety of floral forms adapted to bees and birds. The genus displays three particularly rich areas of diversity: Mesoamerican and South American regions, the Mediterranean basin with Central Asia, and certain areas of East Asia.

Basic care of salvias

Luz: Most salvias prefer full sunIn very hot climates, light semi-shading during the central hours reduces water stress.

Land: they tolerate poor substrates as long as drain very wellIn a pot, use aerated mixes with sand or gravel. Adding organic matter improves the structure without causing waterlogging.

Irrigation: Moderate. Allow the topsoil to dry between waterings. Mediterranean and silvery species such as S. officinalis o S. apiana they are more xeric; those with vigorous growth such as S. guaranitica They appreciate a little more humidity without excess.

Pruning: to remove withered inflorescences prolongs floweringAt the end of the cold season, prune to renew and compact the wood. Avoid drastic pruning of old wood in sensitive species.

SubscriberLight applications are sufficient during the growing season. A balanced slow-release fertilizer or mature compost is sufficient; avoid excess nitrogen, which favors soft foliage and less flower.

Multiplication: by semi-woody cuttings In the warm season, divide the clumps into suitable species and plant them with adapted annuals or perennials. Cuttings planted in light substrate root quickly with gentle heat.

ClimateMany salvias can withstand freezing temperatures if the soil is well-draining and the roots are protected with mulch. Species such as S. microphylla o S. leucantha They tolerate moderate cold; tropical ones require protection.

Plagues and diseases: are relatively resistant for its aromatic oils. Watch out for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites in dry weather. Overwatering can cause fungus crown fungus; improve ventilation and adjust watering.

Properties of sages

Salvias, especially Salvia officinalis, have been studied for their content of molecules with bioactive interest. They have been identified essential oils and families of compounds with physiological potential.

Main groups of compounds

• Phenols: flavonoids, tannins and coumarins with antioxidant capacity.
• Terpenes and terpenoids: responsible for much of the aroma and antimicrobial effects.
• Alkaloids and steroids: present in varying quantities depending on the species.
• Saponins and glycosides: various derivatives with biological interest.
• Fatty acids and waxes, in addition to polyacetylenes and structural carbohydrates.

Overall, different species have shown effects anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, antimicrobials, and neuroprotective properties in preclinical studies. They do not replace medical treatments, but their culinary and traditional use is associated with general benefits. In the culinary field, sage enhances meat and pasta dishes; in some regions, it is used in digestive infusion, in mixtures to flavor beverages and in macerations of herbal liqueurs.

On the cultural level, certain species such as Sage apiana They are used in purification rituals through incense. On the other hand, salvia divinorum It has been used in shamanic contexts for its psychoactive effects; outside of these traditional uses, any uninformed practice is discouraged.

Bibliography

Reference works on the genus include botanical studies and cultivation monographs such as The Gardener's Guide to Growing Salvias, Sage: The Genus Salvia, and The New Book of Salvias, along with scientific literature on the genus's composition and crosses.

Salvias are grateful plants with vibrant blooms and unmistakable aromas. With the right species and simple maintenance, any garden or terrace can enjoy color almost year-round, while taking advantage of their culinary uses and attractiveness to pollinating wildlife.

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Types and characteristics of sage: complete guide, varieties, and care