14 Different Types of Sage Plants with Pictures 

The sage plant is a herb which can be used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Learn about the different types of sages with pictures below!

The “different types of sage for cleansing” is a plant that has been used in many different ways. The plant can be used to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. It can also be used as a tea or as an incense.

There are affiliate links in this post. We may get a commission if you click and purchase, at no extra cost to you. For additional information, please visit our disclosure policy.

Do you want to grow sage in your garden but aren’t sure which kind to use? Then you’ve arrived to the correct location.

We’ll go through the most common, easiest-to-grow, and best-looking varieties of sage. You’ll discover everything about them, from their growing requirements to their look, scent, size, and applications. 

If you’re interested in learning more about it, stay reading! 

What is a Sage Plant, and what does it do?

Sage, also known as Salvia (according to its genus), is a mint-like plant that resembles lavender and smells like other mints. It may be used as a decorative or culinary garden plant.

This species, unlike others in the Lamiaceae (mint) family, is often huge. It is, in fact, the largest member of the mint family.

However, it is not its size that distinguishes it. What’s fascinating is how it develops. Some sages are just 3 feet tall, while others may grow to be over 6 feet tall. 

The hues also vary dramatically, with purple appearing at times, red appearing at others, and even white and pink appearing in other instances. Colors range from deep green to light gray, and sometimes even yellow, with leaves that clearly indicate it is a member of the mint family.

It’s a cold-weather plant that thrives in practically any soil and prefers slightly damp conditions over dry ones.

How many different kinds of sage are there?

There are over 900 species of sage, believe it or not. 

We’d love to go through each one individually, but that would need a whole encyclopedia. 

Keep in mind that the majority of these species may be found in the wild. That’s why we’ve limited ourselves to only 14 distinct varieties of sage, the ones you can truly cultivate at home.

Just keep in mind that some of them are just decorative, while others are primarily developed for gastronomic reasons. 

Let’s learn more about each of them with that in mind!

Sage Plants: 14 Different Types (with Pictures)

1. Sage from the garden (Salvia officinalis)

You’ve probably seen garden sage if you’ve seen sage in a garden or in the wild. The Salvia officinalis, sometimes known as common sage or culinary sage, is by far the most popular.

It has a lovely look, with bright green leaves and stems and purple to pink blooms (sometimes slightly blueish). 

There are a plethora of “common sage” alternatives available, with sizes, colors, leaf shapes, and even uses (some don’t even produce flowers) varying greatly. 

The common one, on the other hand, may reach a height of approximately 3 feet, grows in a bushy pattern, thrives in full sun (but tolerates some shade), and produces one of the most appealing aromas.  

The garden sage is the simplest to locate, cultivate, and care for, and is ready to thrive in your gardens and become a go-to alternative for teas and dressings. 

2. Sage with an anise flavor (Salvia guaranitica)

The anise-scented sage is another popular kind. It is one among the simplest to notice in gardens, with purple-blue blossoms and deep-green foliage.

This sage, unlike the normal sage, is purely decorative. It’s unusual not just because of its blooms and leaves, but also because it may grow to be over 6 feet tall. 

In frigid climates, it grows as a perennial. It may also be grown as an annual in warm areas. It favors damp soils, like other sages, although it can withstand dryness for a few months.

Its aroma is anise-like, woody and spicy, which is where the name derives from. 

3. Sage in the Autumn (Salvia greggii)

Autumn sage is a cold-climate sage that thrives brilliantly all year long, even in the coldest climates. Despite this, it thrives in warm climates since it is drought-tolerant and can endure high temperatures.

In well-draining soils with sufficient humidity, the plant may reach a height of 3 feet. It also produces pink-to-purple blooms that are sometimes orange or crimson. 

It’s more common in gardens than in the wild, since it’s more of an appealing decorative than a food. It’s also worth having in the kitchen because of its minty fragrance and flavor. 

4. Sage with blackcurrants (Salvia microphylla)

Because it is a high-elevation sage that prefers frigid climates, it is also known as Graham’s or Myrtle of the Mountains.

This sage is utilized in sweets and is more of a culinary sage than a decorative sage. That doesn’t make it any less appealing, however, since it has purple blooms that stand out in any garden.

It may reach a height of nearly 3 feet in the correct conditions. It grows well in well-draining soils with moderate humidity. 

5. Sage Clary (Salvia sclarea)

The clary sage is an African and Asian species that is more often used in the kitchen than in the garden. It’s also found in a lot of fragrances. 

This one can only survive in high-humidity environments and demands wet soil. The plant needs frequent hydration and freezing weather to grow tall (up to 4 feet).

It appears formidable when fully grown, with blooms that range from purple to pink to pale crimson, making any garden stand out. 

Cleveland Sage, No. 6 (Salvia clevelandii)

It’s also known as the Jim sage or Blue sage. Native to California, this is a common variety. As a result, anticipate it to flourish in warm climates with high relative humidity. It also favors sandy, well-draining soils. 

Its height, which may reach over 5 feet under the appropriate circumstances, is what sets it distinct. It’s not so much how tall it is as it is how attractive it is. It’s difficult to miss with its ash-green foliage and blue-to-pink blossoms.

The blossoms vary from other varieties of sage in that they are generally spiraled rather than spiked. As a result, it is more often employed as a decorative than a culinary variety. 

Sage with a Grape Flavour (Salvia melissordora)

This sage has a somewhat grapey scent that is easy to detect, as the name suggests. As a result, it is often used as a tea and in culinary preparations.

The leaves are normally light green, while the blossoms have a purple-grape tint. In the correct setting, it might even be used as an ornament.

It favors humid environments over dry ones in general. It reaches a height of around 4 feet and has some of the thickest stems available. It stands out because to its bush-like appearance and ability to spread swiftly.  

Greek Sage No. 8 (Salvia fruticosa)

If you don’t like purple, red, pink, or blue, sage white is a good option. That’s what the Greek sage has to say about it.

It’s also sold in shops as Faskomilo tea, since it’s one of the most popular culinary sorts. The taste, like the fragrance, is minty, making it a popular tea type.

This creature prefers warm environments to chilly ones. However, it performs better in humid environments than in dry ones. 

9. Sage for Hummingbirds (Salvia spathacea)

Hummingbird sage, also known as pitcher sage, has dark-green foliage and dark-purple blossoms, making it one of the darkest plants around. 

Each bloom develops like a spike and may reach a height of over 4 feet in the correct conditions. It’s also one of the simplest to cultivate, since it tolerates a little dryness and shade. 

This one, too, spreads really quickly. It’s also disease and pest resistant since it doesn’t get ill in severe situations. 

Given its unusual leaf and bloom color, it’s more suited as a decorative than a culinary sage. 

10. Bush Sage from Mexico (Salvia leucantha)

Mexican bush sage is one of the oddest types, growing bushy as its name suggests. However, the ultra-long spikey blooms, which are commonly pink and purple and may reach quite lengthy lengths, give it a bushy look.

Most Mexican bush sage plants reach a height of around 3 feet and enjoy damp to dry settings. It also grows well in direct sunlight.

It is utilized as an ornamental because of its strong pink color and unique bloom form. Its fast-spreading capability allows it to cover enormous regions in a short amount of time. 

Pineapple Sage (#11) (Salvia elegans)

This is the second most popular sage after common sage, with deep-red blossoms that sometimes bloom purple. The majority of its leaves are tiny, and the flower spikes are slender. 

It gets its name from the citrus flavor and scent. This sage, which resembles pineapple in appearance, is also one of the most popular in the kitchen. From teas to sweets, people utilize them for everything.

The plant may reach a height of approximately 5 feet and thrives in a variety of conditions, however it likes cold and damp conditions. There are various types of Salvia elegans to consider, some of which are more aromatic and have a deeper red color than ordinary sage. 

12. Sage from Sonoma (Salvia sonomensis)

Salvia sonomensis is the tiniest of all the sages, growing little more than a foot tall and producing light purple-to-blue blooms. White blooms are seen on some of the rarest species.

This is another common sage species in California, and it thrives in a wide range of conditions, from hot to cold.

Because the flavor and perfume of most Sonoma sage cultivars are modest, they are mostly utilized for decorative purposes. 

Sage from South Africa, no. 13 (Salvia lanceolata)

The South African sage, which has a lemony flavor, is a popular culinary ingredient. It also has a strong minty fragrance and a somewhat spicy tone.

It’s also a tiny variety, seldom reaching more than 2 feet in height. The flowers, on the other hand, are lovely in their light red to pink hues. Its leaves are usually grey and pale green in color. 

When it comes to growth, it prefers dry, warm environments. It does, however, perform better in cold and humid situations. 

14. Sage, White (Salvia apiana)

The Salvia apiana, or White sage, is the only sage that is bred specifically for human use. Given that it has a pine-like perfume that sticks out in any garden, there’s no mistake about its peppery flavor.

Because of the uniqueness of its white flowers, it’s still a good ornamental. Instead of spikey blooms, this one produces clusters of round flowers.

In terms of growth, it loves wet, well-draining soil, plenty of sun exposure, and cold over warmth. 

Conclusion

There are just too many different sorts of sage to not bring one home. And with the ones listed above, you’ll undoubtedly have the entire package.

So, what do you have to lose? Check out the list above, choose your favorites, and then go to your local garden shop or nursery with that in mind.

You’ll almost certainly discover a sage that is ideal for your landscape. There won’t be a single regret once it begins growing tall and blossoming gorgeously. Do it right now!

Sage is a herb that is used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and many other things. There are 14 different types of sage plants with pictures. Reference: sage types and uses.

Related Tags

• edible sage varieties
• types of sage for cooking
• dwarf sage plants
• different types of sage for smudging
• sage plant identification