Officinalis is usually grown for its aromatic foliage, which is used in cooking. In winter and spring, tiny, purple flowers appear on each stem of this plant. Can be grown in a herb garden, but also looks great in a mixed boarder or a gravel garden. 

At a glance:

Evergreen foliage

Purple flowers appear in spring and winter

Full sun

Well drained fertile soil

Hardy

Will reach a height of 1.8m and a spread of 1.5m over 5-10 years