Salvia officinalis 'Icterina'
GOLDEN SAGE
Family: Lamiaceae
Pronounced: SAL-vee-uhh oh-fi-shi-NAH-lis
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE
Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group
Herbs.
Hardiness
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones: 7-8.
Heat zones: 8-5.
Mature size
Height: 24 inches (60 cm).
Width: 24 inches (60 cm).
Flowering period
Midsummer.
Flowering attributes
Racemes of lilac-blue flowers.
Leaf attributes
Woolly, aromatic foliage with green leaves and wide yellow margins.
Growth habit
Clump-forming.
Light:
Full sun to light dappled shade.
Soil:
Moderately fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost. Fertilize in April with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation methods:
Softwood cuttings in spring and early summer.
Root semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn using bottom heat.
Pruning Methods
In mid to late spring, prune lightly to shape wayward stems. Do not trim below growing leaves as the stems will not grow back. Prune out stems where leaves are reverting to solid gray-green.
Rainy Side Notes
Golden sage goes beyond the use as a culinary herb. As an ornamental plant its foliage is outstanding in the garden. Here it is planted with Calluna vulgaris 'Robert Chapman' and Thymus citriodorus, lemon thyme.
As with all Salvia officinalis species, these herbs are perfectly hardy west of the Cascade Mountains, withstanding temperatures down to 0°F (17°C). However, well-drained soil is necessary for them.
Sage is perennial; yet short-lived. Take cuttings every few years to keep a good stock of plants in the garden. Once established, they require little maintenance.
Plant these highly ornamental sages in the front of the border. They will add color and textural interest to the garden. They are also fantastic as container plants.
If creatures plague your garden, sage is deer resistant.
Photographed in author's garden.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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