Sage purple

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Purple sage thrives in full sun, which enhances its deep purple leaf colour and aromatic oils. It will tolerate partial shade, but growth and colour may be less intense.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers well-drained soil, ideally sandy or loamy. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground, which can lead to root rot.

• pH Range: Grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.5–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Drought-tolerant once established, but water regularly during the first growing season to encourage strong root development.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring after the last frost or in early summer for best establishment before winter.

• Spacing: Allow 30–45 cm between plants to provide airflow and reduce the risk of fungal issues.

• Container Growing: Ideal for pots and planters—use a gritty, free-draining compost and place in a sunny location.

• Positioning Tips: Works beautifully in herb gardens, sunny borders, Mediterranean-style plantings, or as a low ornamental hedge.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering: Water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering, especially in cool or damp conditions, can cause plant decline.

• Feeding: Not a heavy feeder—apply a light dose of balanced organic fertilizer or liquid seaweed feed in spring to encourage healthy growth.

• Pruning:

  • Lightly trim after flowering to keep a neat, compact shape and prevent woody growth.

  • Avoid cutting into old wood, as regrowth can be slow.

• Harvesting: Pick leaves as needed throughout the growing season. For peak flavour, harvest in the morning after dew has dried.

• Flowering Control: Sage produces spikes of purple-blue flowers in summer. Remove flowers if you want to focus on leaf production, or leave them to attract pollinators.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free, though aphids or fungal leaf spot can occur in humid conditions. Good air circulation helps prevent problems.

• Winter Care: Hardy perennial (UK H4–H5). In colder areas, mulch lightly around the base in late autumn for extra protection.

• Propagation: Easily propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by division in spring.

Flavour, Uses, and Garden Value

• Flavour Profile: Purple sage has the same robust, earthy flavour as common sage, with a slightly sweeter note. The rich purple leaves add colour to the kitchen as well as the garden.

• Culinary Uses:

  • Perfect for flavouring pork, poultry, sausages, and game dishes.

  • Excellent in stuffing, herb butters, pasta sauces, and roasted vegetables.

  • Leaves can be used fresh or dried—drying intensifies the flavour.

• Herbal Uses: Traditionally used in herbal teas for its soothing, digestive, and antimicrobial properties.

• Ornamental Value: Striking purple foliage provides year-round colour and contrast, making it an attractive choice for both culinary and ornamental gardens.

• Pollinator Friendly: Summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

• Companion Planting: Helps deter pests such as cabbage moths when grown near brassicas. Combines well with rosemary, lavender, and thyme for a harmonious display.

• Design Uses:

  • Excellent as a low hedge or border edging.

  • Fits well in mixed herb planters for patios and balconies.

  • Adds contrast in foliage colour to traditional green herb plantings.

• Yield and Longevity: A hardy, long-lived plant that provides both visual appeal and culinary flavour for many years with minimal care.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.