Purple-leaved large-leaved sage

Perennial · Subshrub

Salvia macrophylla ‘Purple Leaf Form’

Purple-leaved large-leaved sage

A tender, large-leaved sage with purple-toned foliage and vivid blue flowers.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 1–2 m (3–7 ft)
  • 0.6–1 m (2–3 ft)
  • H2 · Zone 9
  • July–October
  • Semi evergreen

Overview

This Peruvian sage grows quickly into a leafy, upright plant with broad leaves, often purple beneath, and blue tubular flowers through late summer and autumn. It needs shelter, fertile soil and more moisture than dryland sages. Treat it as frost tender and overwinter cuttings or a container plant under cover.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 1–2 m (3–7 ft)
Spread 0.6–1 m (2–3 ft)
Hardiness H2 · Zone 9
Flowers July–October
Soil Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Bushy, Upright
Water Moderate
Maintenance Moderate
Purple-leaved large-leaved sage

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature 1°C (34°F)
pH Range 6–7.5
Fertility Fertile
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Purple-leaved large-leaved sage
Purple-leaved large-leaved sage
Persistence Semi evergreen
Colour Green, Purple
Leaf shape / texture ovate_cordate
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: May–November

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
  • Flowering Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
  • Fruiting Sep Oct Nov
  • Propagate Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Maintenance Calendar

  • Mar Trim overwintered plants under cover as growth starts
  • May Harden off and plant out after frost
  • Jun Keep soil moist during rapid growth and dry weather
  • Jul Remove spent flower spikes to extend flowering
  • Aug Take shoot cuttings for frost-free winter backup
  • Oct Move plants and cuttings under cover above 5C

Garden Design

Works well in: Contemporary, Cottage, Tropical, Wildlife

Place blue flowers against orange blooms or lime foliage. Provide light shade during intense heat and shelter tall stems from wind.

Companion planting: Cannas, Gingers, Grasses, Other tender salvias

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Other pollinators
  • Food source
  • Food

Safety

Not a culinary sage. Avoid eating foliage; species-specific pet toxicity information is limited.