Painted sage

A very pretty plant that was once popular but has now fallen from favor, the painted sage deserves to make a comeback! A compact plant that usually grows 45 to 60 centimeters (18 - 24 inches), it produces very tiny white or pink flowers along its stems and brightly colored, flower-like bracts at the tips. They may be white, blue, purple, mauve or pink and are extremely showy.

Painted sage grows easily from seed, transplants without issue, and blooms all summer. It also attracts pollinators and makes fine material for cutting. As if that weren’t enough, painted sage flowers bravely withstand a minor frost, self seeds politely, and has no pest or disease issues. Why do we not grow this plant more often?

Painted sage is happiest in full sun and average soil. It likes good moisture conditions but is very adaptable and can handle a fairly dry conditions. It is also excellent in containers. Painted sage can be put to good use in beds and containers and even deer generally do not eat it. This is absolutely a plant worth growing!