Salvia, or sage, is a large genus of plants, encompassing hundreds of species grown for culinary and ornamental purposes. Many garden supply stores carry several salvia species, differentiating between purely ornamental salvia and plants which can be used for cooking. All of the plants are characterized by upright flower stalks with clusters of often brightly colored flowers, along with square stems and slender grey-green to bright green leaves. When salvia is planted in an area it likes, the plant will flourish and reseed itself with little care.

Sage is found all over the world, especially in Mediterranean climates. Culinary sages are mostly native to Europe, while decorative sage originated largely in the Americas. The plants have been further spread and hybridized by human intervention, since salvia is a popular addition to the garden.

For a low water garden or a garden with poor soil conditions, salvia is an excellent choice of ornamental plant and ground cover. Like many members of the mint family, salvia is very hardy, except in extremely cold weather, and it actually prefers poor soil, as long as it drains well. In temperate conditions, salvia can be grown as an annual, and it will turn into a very large bush if allowed to grow unchecked. Perennial salvia will reseed itself, and it can also be propagated through root division every few years.

In a cold climate, salvia seedlings should be planted after the last frost in a warm, sunny spot. The red, purple, white, or orange blooms can be periodically deadheaded to keep the plant in flower, and the foliage will hang on until the winter weather is too overwhelming for the plant. Salvia can be used as a potted ornamental as well, although it does not do well indoors.

Culinary salvia can be used both fresh and dried in soups, stocks, sauces, and other dishes. It adds a strong aroma and flavor to foods, especially when used fresh. Ornamental salvia can be dried and used in dried flower arrangements and bouquets. The lingering aroma can also be used to enhance potpourri, or salvia can be burned as incense.

One cultivar of salvia, Salvia divinorum or diviner's sage, has psychoactive properties due to a diterpenoid compound in the plant. In addition to being psychoactive, the plant is also quite attractive, and it is often use for ornamental borders and dried flower arrangements. The plant has a long history of traditional use among Native Americans, especially in Mexico and the Southwest.