Wood sage is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to Europe. Wood sage is a natural hybrid between woodland sage ( S. nemorosa ) and meadow sage ( S. pratensis ). It is not always possible to determine whether modern cultivars are derived from the hybrid or unhybridized woodland sage. Plant wood sage in full sun in dry to medium moisture soils with good drainage and high organic content. It is tolerant of gravely or sandy soils and drought once established. This plant has a rapid growth rate and will quickly fill a space if conditions are ideal. It may grow as large as 2 feet high and 1.5 feet wide. Prune it back to its basal foliage after flowering, or if it flops over or becomes unsightly. Propagate this plant through softwood cuttings or division. Use wood sage as an accent or mass planting in a border. It is also at home in a cottage, sensory, or butterfly garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Whitefly, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are insect problems. Rust, powdery mildew, stem rot, and fungal leaf spot are disease problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Salvia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Erect; Multi-stemmed
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite; Rosulate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire; Serrate
Leaf feel
Soft
Leaf value
Fragrant
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Ovate to lanceolate, serrate to entire margins, medium green, fragrant leaves. Wrinkled appearance with hairs beneath. Basal leaves have petioles while stem leaves are sessile.
Flower color
Blue; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Good Cut; Long-lasting; Showy
Flower form
Raceme
Flower shape
Lipped; Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Deep violet-blue to purple tubular two-lipped 0.5 inches long flowers appear in clusters of 2 to 6 on terminal racemes in late spring and will rebloom through summer if moisture is available. Deadhead to encourage rebloom. Cut flowers last a long time.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Black
Fruit type
Schizocarp
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Schizocarp with four lobes that separate at maturity to yield four single-seeded nutlets.
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Stems are square and can reach 30" in height
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Europe
Wildlife value
Flowers attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies; Hummingbirds
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Schizocarp
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Meadow; Patio; Pond; Pool/Hardscape; Small Space
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Cutting Garden; Garden for the Blind; Pollinator Garden