Monday, May 1, 2017

Riders of the Purple Sage


Mother Nature reveals it's treasure every day. Years ago I read that common sage, Salvia officinalis 'Berggarten' rarely blooms. It's grown for the gray green foliage and it's thick pungent leaves which can be used fresh or dried in cooking. Imagine my surprise when I saw this lone bloom on my sage plant. This is the fourth season of growth for this plant.

I decided to examine the other sage plant I planted at the same time and guess what? It also has one lone bud on it.

Whenever I hear the word purple sage I think of the book by Zane Grey, Riders of the Purple Sage. If you've ever spent time in the Southwest you'll know sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata, can appear purple in certain desert light. Not to be confusing, but there is an actual purple sage, Salvia dorii, which is native to the Western states. I wonder which one Zane Grey was referring to? Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

2 comments:

  1. Our sage has always flowered. Or at least I think so. I will have to check next year.

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  2. Hi Sue, thanks, this is the sage with almost grey leaves and they are very thick. I grew it in california and it never bloomed there so I was surprised. Now my thyme, oregano, marjoram, lemon balm and spanish tarragon all bloom but never had this sage bloom. I have had other varieties bloom. let me know

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