Description
A hardy evergreen shrub with a height and spread of roughly 2-3ft (80cm) by 20". It grows wild in the Meditteranean and S. Europe and is commonly cultivated elsewhere. A strongly branched root system produces square, green, finely haired stems which become woody in the 2nd year. From these grey green, downy, thick, oval to ovate-lanceolate leaves are borne in opposite pairs. They have pronounced veins on the underside and sometmes sport yellow splotches. Mauve-blue, two-lipped, deep throated flowers grow in whorls which form terminal racemes. White and pink flowered forms are less common. The seeds are deep brown, oval and very small. They form fruits at the base of each flower.

Clary Sage - S.sclarea:
A biennial with large wrinkled leaves and long lasting lilac flowers

Pineapple Sage - S.rutilans:
A half hardy variety with scarlet flowers appearing in late summer. The leaves have a soft flavour of pineapple.

Cultivation

Site:	Full sun to give the necessary warmth. Prefers light, dry, alkaline, well drained soil.
Propagation:	Take well from cuttings. Rooting time is 4 weeks, in summmer. Grow common sage from seed.
General Care:	Cut back after flowering. Replace woody plants every 4-5 years. Plant 18" - 24" (45-60cm) apart. Prune frequently to keep bushy. If leaves go yellowy may need more root space.
Problems:	Small green caterpillar may attack leaves. Remove by hand or prune and burn leaves.
Harvest:	Pick leaves before flowers appear.

Preserve: Dry leaves slowly. ((They keep their flavour well at first, but deteriorate quickly)).

Relationships: Is aided by nettles. Do not grow with rue and basil as they hinder one another. Do not grow by cucumbers.

Warning: Avoid high doses in pregnancy or if epileptic. Do not eat too much or for too long.