Promising Plants Profiles

Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten'

Common Name: Mountain garden sage, Giant German sage
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Specific Epithet: officinalis
Cultivar Name: 'Berggarten'

Life cycle: perennial
Zone: 5-8
Flower color: violet/lavender
Bloom time: late spring to mid summer, shy-bloomer, produces few flowers.
Growth: 18-24"
Habit/Form: dense, compact, evergreen
Light requirements: full sun
Soil requirements: well drained
Propagation: softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings
Uses: culinary, medicinal,economic

GRAS status: Salvia officinalis leaves are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) at 300-4777 ppm, but S. officinalis is reportedly toxic in large amounts, and medicinal preparations are not recommended for extended use by some sources.

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Description: The large, oval, aromatic leaves have serrated edges and a downy texture. New leaves are bright green, turning to a soft gray on the older growth. The plant occasionally produces whorls of one inch long, two-lipped, upright purple flowers. 'Berggarten' takes on a purplish color when planted in full sun.

Cultivation: Water regularly but do not overwater. Avoid pruning into the woody growth and in the late fall season. Remove old flowers to encourage a longer bloom period.

"Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten' is very strong in flavor, its essential oil being very similar to that of dalmatian sage. It first appeared in the U.S. about 40 years ago. Although it is not an HSA member introduction, it is a noteworthy sage specimen." -Gloria McClure, Promising Plants Presentation, 2008

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