About this product

Salvia officinalis 'Maxima'

Salvia officinalis 'Maxima'

Confirmed format: Potted herb (supplied format as per current stock)

Plant Highlights

• Large, aromatic grey-green leaves

• Excellent culinary sage with strong flavour

• Attractive flowers loved by pollinating insects

• Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild winters

• Ideal for herb gardens, borders and containers

Overview

Salvia officinalis 'Maxima' is a vigorous culinary sage selected for its unusually large, soft grey-green leaves and excellent flavour. The aromatic foliage is highly valued in the kitchen, where it can be harvested fresh or dried for later use. In late spring and early summer, upright spikes of violet-blue flowers rise above the foliage, adding ornamental interest while attracting bees and other pollinating insects.

Its naturally bushy habit makes it equally useful as an ornamental edging plant or as part of a productive herb garden. It grows well in borders, raised beds and patio containers, where the evergreen foliage provides structure and can be harvested throughout much of the year.

Why We Love It

• Large leaves are easy to harvest for cooking.

• Aromatic foliage provides year-round interest.

• Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.

• Performs well in containers and herb gardens.

• Requires very little maintenance once established.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in a sunny, sheltered position where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It grows well in herb gardens, raised beds and containers.

Watering

Water regularly while establishing. Once established, sage is relatively drought tolerant and only requires additional watering during prolonged dry spells. Container-grown plants should be checked more frequently in warm weather.

Soil

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Good drainage is particularly important during winter, as overly wet conditions can reduce the plant's longevity.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Suitable for year-round outdoor growing in most Irish gardens. In heavier soils, improve drainage before planting. Container-grown plants benefit from being placed in a sheltered position during prolonged periods of severe winter weather.

Routine Care

Harvest leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth. Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit and remove any dead or woody stems in spring. Avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood.

Perfect For

• Kitchen and herb gardens.

• Raised vegetable beds.

• Sunny patio containers.

• Cottage garden planting.

• Bee-friendly gardens.

Good to Know

'Maxima' is grown primarily for its larger-than-average leaves, making harvesting particularly easy. Regular picking encourages fresh, tender growth and helps keep plants compact.

Product Information

• Botanical identity: Salvia officinalis 'Maxima'

• Supplied as a potted herb.