Sage (genus Salvia) is a versatile and aromatic herb that thrives in containers, making it a popular choice for American gardeners with limited space or those who prefer the flexibility of potted plants. With a wide range of varieties available, selecting the right one for your needs and understanding their growth habits is key to successful container gardening. Here’s a look at some of the best sage varieties for pots and how they differ:

Top Sage Varieties for Container Growing:

• Common Sage (Salvia officinalis): This is the classic culinary sage, known for its soft, gray-green foliage. It typically forms a low, bushy shrub that often spreads wider than it grows tall, making it well-suited for pots. Many cultivars offer variations in leaf color, including purple (S. officinalis ‘Purpurascens’) and golden varieties, which can add ornamental appeal. Standard common sage can reach up to 2.5 feet tall, but many cultivars are shorter.

• Dwarf Common Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Minimus’): For smaller containers, dwarf varieties like ‘Minimus’ are excellent. They typically grow to just 15-18 inches tall and wide, retaining the classic sage flavor in a more compact form. This variety also handles humid conditions well.

• Culinary Sage (Various Cultivars): Beyond the standard and dwarf forms, many other cultivars of Salvia officinalis are suitable for containers. Look for those with interesting leaf colors like ‘Tricolor’ (green, white, and pink) or ‘Berggarten’ (rounded leaves). Their growth habits generally remain bushy and manageable in pots.

• Salvia Greggii (Autumn Sage): Often grown as an ornamental, Salvia greggii offers a more upright growth habit and comes in a variety of flower colors, including red, pink, and orange. The ‘Mirage’ series is particularly recommended for pots. These varieties typically reach 1-3 feet tall and wide, so ensure you choose a pot that can accommodate their mature size.

• Salvia Microphylla (Little Leaf Sage or Graham’s Sage): Similar to S. greggii, Salvia microphylla has an upright habit and attractive flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. The variety ‘Hot Lips’, with its striking red and white flowers, is a popular choice for containers. They also tend to be in the 1-3 feet range for height and spread.

• Salvia Rosmarinus (Rosemary): While botanically now classified as Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis), rosemary is often grouped with sage in the kitchen and garden. It has an upright, shrubby growth habit and does well in pots. Choose a pot large enough to accommodate its eventual size, which can reach several feet, although container growth may be more restricted.

• Salvia Yangii (Russian Sage): Although larger (typically 2-4 feet tall), Russian Sage can be grown in large containers, especially if you’re looking for a dramatic, upright element with silvery foliage and blue-purple flowers. Consider dwarf cultivars like ‘Little Spire’ if space is a concern.

Differing Growth Habits:

The main differences in growth habits among these sage varieties include:

• Size: Ranging from compact dwarf varieties (under 2 feet) to larger shrubs (2-4 feet). Choose a pot size that matches the mature size of your selected sage.
• Shape: Some sages like common sage tend to be more cushion-shaped or spreading, while others like S. greggii, S. microphylla, and rosemary have a more upright form. Russian Sage is distinctly upright.
• Foliage: Leaf color and texture can vary significantly, offering visual interest even when the plants are not in bloom.
• Ornamental vs. Culinary: While many sages are dual-purpose, some varieties like S. greggii and S. microphylla are often grown primarily for their attractive flowers.

By considering these growth habits and your available space, you can select the perfect sage variety to thrive in your container garden, adding both beauty and flavor to your home.