All sages have square stems and whorls of two-lipped flowers, either distinctly spaced along flower stalks or so tightly crowded that they look like one dense spike; some species have branched inflorescences. Flower colors range from white and yellow through salmon and pink to scarlet and pure red, from pale lavender to true blue and darkest purple. A few sages have fragrant blossoms. Many have aromatic foliage. Sages attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies.
Rounded plant, branching from base; typically grows 1–4 ft. high and wide. Slender, hairy stems are closely set with glossy green, 3/4–1 1/4-in.-long leaves that vary in shape from rounded to linear. Blooms throughout summer and fall, bearing 1/4– 1-in. flowers on 3–6-in. stems, in colors ranging from deep purplish red through true red to various rose and pink shades to white. To keep plants tidy and free blooming, prune and remove dead flower stems frequently. Before new spring growth begins, shorten and shape plants, removing dead wood. Good low hedge. Be sure to give some shade in hottest areas.