Greetings from the plant kingdom. We, the sages, are a diverse and aromatic group, many of whom find great pleasure in cohabiting with humans indoors. While we are often known for our culinary contributions, our foliage offers a stunning array of textures, colors, and scents perfect for enlivening your home. For successful indoor cultivation in the varied climates of the United States, selecting the right variety is paramount. Here is our detailed guidance.
As the classic culinary sage, I am perhaps the most recognized member of our family. My soft, pebbly-textured, gray-green leaves are not only flavorful but also visually appealing. I am well-suited for life in a container on a sunny windowsill. I require a pot with excellent drainage and a thorough drying out between waterings, as my roots despise soggy conditions. Provide me with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, and I will reward you with robust growth. For an extra visual delight, seek out my cultivars like 'Purpurascens' (Purple Sage) with its beautiful purple-tinged foliage or 'Tricolor' with leaves of green, white, and purple.
I am prized not for my traditional savory flavor but for my sweet, fruity fragrance. When brushed, my vibrant green leaves release a powerful scent of fresh pineapple. I am a tender perennial, making me an ideal candidate for a protected indoor life where winters are harsh. I grow quite vigorously, so please provide me with a sufficiently large pot. I thrive in bright, direct light and will become leggy and less aromatic if light is insufficient. In the late fall, I may produce stunning scarlet red flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds (though they might be indoors with you!).
I am a particularly ornamental form of the common sage. My young leaves emerge in a stunning violet-purple hue, maturing to a softer grayish-purple, creating a beautiful contrast in your plant collection. Like my common cousin, I require abundant sunlight to maintain my rich coloration; too little light will cause me to revert to a greener shade. My cultural needs are identical to common sage: well-draining soil, infrequent but deep watering, and plenty of sun. I am both a beautiful and useful houseplant.
Often found in commercial dried sage packets, I am a tough and drought-resistant variety. I am characterized by my smaller, narrower, and woollier leaves compared to Salvia officinalis, and I possess a slightly more potent, camphor-like flavor. My compact and woody growth habit makes me exceptionally well-adapted to container living indoors. I am even more tolerant of dry soil and neglect than common sage, making me a perfect choice for those who sometimes forget to water. I demand the sunniest spot you can provide.
For those seeking a larger, more dramatic architectural sage for a spacious, bright room, I am an excellent candidate. I am a biennial or short-lived perennial, known for my very large, fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves and towering flower spikes. While I am often grown outdoors for my essential oils, I can be a stunning foliage plant indoors. Provide me with a very large container and a location in full sun. My water needs are moderate, but drainage must be impeccable. My presence is bold and commanding, offering a very different aesthetic from the smaller, shrubby sages.
