Salvia fruticosa aka Greek Sage

Salvia fruticosa, or Greek sage, belongs to the mint family. It grows wild in the central and eastern Mediterranean. Its range includes Greece, Italy, Turkey, Cyprus, and nearby countries. It also reaches northeast Libya, where it grows on rocky hillsides. Kew places this shrub in the subtropical climate zone. The RHS also lists the names Salvia libanotica and Salvia triloba.

This evergreen shrub keeps its leaves throughout the year. It reaches about 3.3 feet (1 metre) tall and wide. Its growth rate is moderate, according to Plants For A Future. The scented leaves have both kitchen and other uses. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bees pollinate the flowers, which offer them a source of nectar. The plant is also self-fertile and can attract wildlife.

Give Greek sage full sun and soil that drains well. It suits sandy or loamy ground and prefers rich soil. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. The soil can be dry or moist, but avoid waterlogging. Too much nitrogen promotes leaves at the cost of flowers. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11 for this species. In Britain, outdoor growing is best limited to the mildest places. A sheltered site beside a south-facing wall may help. Wet soil in winter can kill the plant.

The leaves serve as a spice and make a fragrant tea. Their taste is milder than that of common sage. Growers can pick leaves as needed during the growing season. They can use them fresh or dry them for storage. The leaves also yield an essential oil used in oil blends. Plants For A Future records several traditional medicinal uses. These include use for digestive and breathing complaints. Such records do not establish that these treatments work. The source warns against medicinal use during pregnancy. It lists no other known hazards, without establishing safety for pets.

Grow new plants from seed or from half-ripe cuttings. Sow seed under glass in March or April. Germination can take about two weeks under suitable conditions. Move young plants outdoors in early summer once large enough. Near its cold limit, keep seedlings under glass through their first winter. Plant them out in late spring the following year.