Golden variegated sage (Salvia officinalis 'Icterina')
SAL-vee-ah oh-fi-shi-NAH-lis
Genus:
Salvia
Cooks and gardeners alike are indebted to this evergreen perennial for the unique, pungent flavor and aroma that its gray-green leaves produce. This charming cultivar has green leaves with irregular yellow margins. It forms a 1.5- to 2-foot-tall and wide bush with woody stems that may be trimmed back to newly emerging growth or strong stems in spring. In early to mid-summer, it occasionally sends up lavender-purple flower spikes; it has both ornamental and culinary qualities in an herb garden. It tolerates alkaline soils, but not wet winter conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Attracts butterflies.
Care:
Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun. This species tolerates alkaline soil.
Propagation:
Divide in spring. Take cuttings spring through fall.
Problems:
Powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.
Overview
Height
1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread
1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit
Clumps
Growth Pace
Moderate Grower
Light
Full Sun Only
Moisture
Dry to Medium
Maintenance
Low
Characteristics
Attracts Butterflies,
Fragrant Foliage,
Showy Flowers,
Showy Foliage
Bloom Time
Early Summer,
Summer
Flower Color
Purple
Foliage Color
Variegated Foliage
Uses
Beds and Borders,
Cut Flower,
Dried Flower,
Ground Covers
Style
Herb Garden,
Cottage Garden,
Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest
Spring Interest
Tolerance
Deer Tolerant,
Drought Tolerant,
Frost Tolerant
Type
Perennials