The name 'Salvia' derives from the old Latin Salveo, meaning 'I heal' or 'I save'. Sage was used as a healing plant, by Greeks and Romans. While it's now mainly used as a culinary herb, sage as a tea made by steeping a few sage leaves in hot water is today still used as a remedy for coughs and sore throats.
As well as its culinary value, sage is a valuable decorative evergreen shrub, which doesn't look out of place in ornamental borders.
Salvia officials 'Tricolor' is a half-hardy perennial sage. Its small leaves are green with pink, white and purple variegation purple-green. They have a mild sage flavour, so are suitable for use in cooking.
Clip plants annually to preserve their shape and encourage growth of fresh leaves, which have the best flavour and colour. Older plants eventually become woody but are easily propagated from cuttings or by layering the naturally arching branches.
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Salvia ‘Tricolor’ and wildlife
Salvia ‘Tricolor’ is known for attracting bees and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
