Common sage and Cottage pink are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, pollinator friendly, container, ground cover). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Salvia officinalis 60 cm × 80 cm after 10 years
An aromatic subshrub with grey-green, velvety leaves that works both as a kitchen herb and as an ornamental, and whose bluish-purple flowers draw bees…
Dianthus plumarius 30 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
An old cottage garden favourite: its grey, grassy leaves form a dense cushion all year, and in early summer it is covered in fringed, clove-scented…
Common sage grows larger: 60 cm × 80 cm after ten years, against 30 cm × 50 cm for Cottage pink.
Cottage pink is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Common sage.
Common sage tolerates drought better than Cottage pink.
Common sage needs less water than Cottage pink.
Common sage is non-toxic to dogs and cats, Cottage pink is not.
|
Feature
|
Common sage
|
Cottage pink
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 60 cm × 80 cm | 30 cm × 50 cm |
| Ultimate size | 30–80 cm × 60–90 cm | 15–60 cm × 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–July, purple, blue | May–August, pink, white, red |
| Water need | Low | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 45 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic | Mildly toxic |
| For cats | Non-toxic | Mildly toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €5.80 | approx. €5 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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