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Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' (Golden variegated sage, Common sage, Culinary sage)

Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' SAL-vee-ah oh-fi-shi-NAH-lis Common Name: Golden variegated sage, Common sage, Culinary sage 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.
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
Tolerance Deer Tolerant;Drought Tolerant;Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Fragrant Foliage; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Early Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Cut Flower, Dried Flower
Style Herb Garden, Cottage Garden, Rock Garden, Xeric Bed
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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