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Summary
Greek Sage (S. fruticosa) leaves are used as a tea and a culinary herb, commonly in Greek and Mediterranean dishes. The flavour is milder than Salvia officinalis. Salvias are a large group of plants in the mint family. They are native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and they are distributed throughout the temperate and tropical regions. There are over 900 species of Salvia, making it one of the largest genera in the mint family. The centre of diversity for Salvia is Mexico, with about 500 species. Salvias have aromatic leaves and flowers, typically purple, blue, or white. The leaves are usually green, but some species have variegated foliage. Harvest all year from the first year.
Physical Characteristics
Salvia fruticosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
S. triloba. L.f.
Plant Habitats
South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses: Condiment Tea
The leaves are used as a spice or as an adulterant of sage (S. officinalis)[183]. Somewhat inferior in quality to sage but it is easier to grow indoors[183]. The leaves make up 50 - 95% of commercially dried sage leaves[238]. A fragrant tea, called 'fascomiglia' is made by infusing the leaves[148, 200].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antihydrotic Antiseptic Antispasmodic Astringent Carminative Cholagogue Depurative Expectorant
Febrifuge Stimulant Tonic Vasodilator
The leaves are antihydrotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, depurative, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, tonic and vasodilator[4, 9, 13, 21, 165, 238]. They are used internally in the treatment of digestive and respiratory complaints, menstrual problems, infertility, nervous tension and depression[238]. This remedy should not be prescribed to pregnant women[238]. The leaves can be harvested as required and used fresh, or they can be harvested before the flowers open and dried or distilled for their essential oil[238].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Essential
Agroforestry uses: Sage can be used as a companion plant to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Its aromatic leaves may also deter some pests, making it useful in pest management strategies. An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used to adulterate spike lavender oil (obtained from Lavandula latifolia)[238]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Salvia species are excellent for pollinators. The flowers are rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – Although the seeds and fruits are not significant food sources, the dense foliage can provide some shelter for wildlife, and it can serve as ground cover for small animals or invertebrates.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – Sage plants provide ground cover and their woody stems and dense leaf litter can offer overwintering sites and protection for beneficial insects.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
Yes – Sage has a strong, aromatic smell that can repel pests like insects and herbivores. It is often planted as a companion plant to deter harmful pests.
Special Uses
Attracts Wildlife Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Requires a very well-drained light sandy soil in a sunny position[200]. Prefers a rich soil[1]. Soils rich in nitrogen encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering[11]. Plants are not very hardy outdoors in Britain, though they should succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, but perhaps even there needing the protection of a south-facing wall. Plants can be killed by excessive winter wet[200]. The flowers are very attractive to bees, providing a good source of nectar[148]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Sage leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, with the best flavor typically from spring to early summer, just before flowering.
Sage usually flowers in late spring to early summer, generally between May and June (Northern Hemisphere), depending on the specific species and growing conditions. Sage is a moderately fast-growing herb, often reaching maturity in about 1 to 2 years under optimal conditions.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse[200]. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood succeed at almost any time in the growing season[200].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Greek Sage, Greek oregano
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, Syria (west), Turkey (west) EUROPE: Albania, Greece (incl. Crete), Italy (incl. Sicily) AFRICA: Libya (northeast)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
| Related Plants
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| Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
| Cistus salviifolius | Rock Rose, Salvia cistus, Sage Leaf Rock Rose | Shrub | 0.6 |
8-11
| F | LM | N | DM | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Salvia apiana | White Sage, Compact white sage | Perennial | 3.0 |
7-10
| M | LM | N | DM | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Salvia ballotaeflora | | Annual | 0.0 |
-
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 0 | |
| Salvia carduacea | Thistle Sage | Annual/Perennial | 0.7 |
7-10
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 0 | |
| Salvia carnosa | Purple Sage | Shrub | 0.8 |
6-9
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 2 | |
| Salvia clevelandii | Blue Sage, Fragrant sage, Chaparral Sage | Shrub | 0.6 |
8-11
| M | LM | N | DM | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Salvia columbariae | Chia, Ziegler's sage | Annual/Perennial | 0.7 |
6-9
| | LM | N | DM | 3 | 2 | |
| Salvia dorisiana | Sage Fruity Pineapple | Perennial | 1.3 |
9-12
| F | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Salvia dorrii | Purple Sage | Shrub | 0.6 |
5-9
| F | LM | N | DM | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Salvia elegans | Pineapple Sage, Pineapple-scented Sage, | Perennial | 1.0 |
8-11
| M | LM | N | DM | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Salvia glabrescens | | Perennial | 0.3 |
-
| | LM | SN | DM | 1 | 0 | |
| Salvia glutinosa | Jupiter's Distaff, Sticky Sage | Perennial | 1.2 |
4-8
| | LM | SN | DM | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Salvia hispanica | Mexican Chia, Chia | Annual | 1.0 |
8-11
| M | LM | N | DM | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Salvia japonica | | Perennial | 0.8 |
7-10
| | LM | SN | DM | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Salvia lanata | | Perennial | 0.3 |
6-9
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 1 | |
| Salvia lanigera | Wrinkle-Leaved Sage | Shrub | 0.0 |
-
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 0 | |
| Salvia lavandulifolia | Spanish Sage | Shrub | 0.3 |
4-8
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Salvia leucantha | Mexican Bush Sage | Shrub | 1.2 |
8-10
| F | LMH | N | M | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Salvia lyrata | Cancer Weed, Lyreleaf Sage | Perennial | 0.6 |
4-9
| M | LM | N | DM | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Salvia mellifera | Californian Black Sage | Shrub | 2.0 |
7-10
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 2 | |
| Salvia microphylla | Blackcurrant Sage | Perennial | 1.2 |
7-10
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 2 | |
| Salvia moorcroftiana | | Perennial | 0.9 |
6-9
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 1 | |
| Salvia multicaulis | | Shrub | 0.3 |
7-10
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 0 | |
| Salvia multiorrhiza | Dan Shen | Perennial | 0.6 |
5-9
| | LM | N | DM | 0 | 3 | |
| Salvia officinalis | Sage, Kitchen sage, Small Leaf Sage, Garden Sage | Shrub | 0.6 |
5-10
| M | LM | N | DM | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Salvia plebeia | | Biennial | 0.5 |
-
| | LM | N | MWe | 1 | 1 | |
| Salvia pomifera | Apple Sage | Shrub | 1.0 |
7-10
| M | LM | N | DM | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Salvia pratensis | Meadow Clary, Introduced sage | Perennial | 1.0 |
3-7
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Salvia reflexa | Mintweed, Lanceleaf sage | Annual | 0.8 |
0-0
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 0 | 0 |
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Mill.
Botanical References
50200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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Subject : Salvia fruticosa
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