Tricolor Sage

Tricolor Sage

Tricolor Sage, botanically known as Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’, is a stunning evergreen perennial herb admired for its ornamental foliage and culinary utility. This sun-loving plant displays striking variegated leaves with soft grey-green centers edged in creamy white and flushed with shades of rose-pink, creating a colorful tapestry effect in the garden. Its compact, bushy habit makes it an eye-catching addition to herb gardens, borders, and containers, where it provides year-round interest in mild climates.

This variety is prized for its exceptional drought tolerance and resilience, thriving in full sun with minimal care. Its ability to flourish in poor, well-drained soils makes it ideal for low-maintenance gardens, rock gardens, or Mediterranean-inspired plantings. Whether planted along pathways, in raised beds, or as a focal foliage accent in mixed containers, Tricolor Sage offers charm, texture, and practicality to outdoor spaces.

Pollinator-friendly, Tricolor Sage produces small lavender-blue flower spikes in late spring to early summer, attracting honey bees and butterflies and supporting the garden’s ecosystem. Its aromatic foliage naturally deters deer and rabbits, ensuring it remains beautiful and intact while enhancing your culinary harvests. Although it is primarily grown for its decorative leaves, its subtly flavored foliage can be used fresh or dried in recipes.

Care Instructions

Planting: Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Ideal for raised beds or container gardens to ensure proper drainage.
Watering: Water regularly after planting until established. Once mature, water sparingly; this variety thrives in drier conditions and is drought-tolerant.
Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain compact shape and encourage fresh variegated growth. Remove flower spikes if foliage is the primary focus.
Pest Control: Its aromatic foliage repels deer and rabbits, minimizing damage from browsing pests.
Soil Tips: Prefers poor to average sandy or loamy soils with excellent drainage. Avoid heavy, wet soils to prevent root rot.