A stunning sage that brings colour as well as flavour

Icterina Sage is one of the most beautiful varieties of culinary sage you can grow. Its striking golden-green variegated foliage brightens herb gardens, borders and patio containers throughout the year, while retaining the rich aromatic fragrance that has made sage a cherished garden herb for centuries.

Beautiful enough to grow as an ornamental feature yet wonderfully practical in the kitchen, this hardy perennial offers the perfect combination of colour, fragrance and culinary versatility. Whether you're harvesting fresh leaves for traditional recipes or creating a vibrant Mediterranean planting scheme, Icterina Sage rewards you with years of reliable growth and effortless beauty.

Why Choose The Healing Herb Garden?

Our plants are carefully grown and nurtured with patience and care, arriving healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your garden.

Quick Facts

Botanical name: Salvia officinalis 'Icterina'

Common name: Icterina Sage / Golden Variegated Sage

Usually available: Spring–Autumn

Flowering period: May–July

Flower colour: Soft violet-blue

Growing Information

Life cycle: Hardy Evergreen Perennial

Height: Approximately 45–60cm

Spread: Approximately 45–60cm

Position: Full Sun

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline

Foliage: Aromatic golden-green variegated evergreen leaves

Growth rate: Moderate

Hardiness: RHS H5 (approximately -15°C)

Suitability

Suitable for containers: Yes

Suitable for beginners: Excellent

Drought tolerant: Yes, once established

Wildlife value: Excellent for bees and other pollinating insects

Planting

Location: Perfect for herb gardens, ornamental borders, gravel gardens, raised beds and patio containers.

Planting time: Plant during spring or autumn while the soil remains workable.

Spacing: Allow approximately 45–60cm between plants to encourage healthy airflow and bushy growth.

Containers: Grows exceptionally well in pots with excellent drainage using a free-draining compost.

Care

Watering: Water regularly while plants establish. Mature plants prefer slightly drier conditions and should not be overwatered.

Feeding: Apply compost or a light balanced fertiliser during spring if required. Avoid excessive feeding, which encourages soft growth and reduces the concentration of aromatic oils.

Winter care: Plant in free-draining soil to prevent winter wet, which is more damaging than frost.

Pruning

Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact, attractive shape.

Avoid cutting deeply into old woody stems where new growth is less likely to emerge.

Replace older plants every few years to keep them vigorous.

Harvesting

Harvest leaves whenever required throughout the growing season.

Young leaves provide the finest flavour and aroma.

Leaves can be enjoyed fresh or dried for long-term storage.

Regular harvesting encourages fresh new growth.

Why Grow Icterina Sage?

• Beautiful golden variegated foliage provides year-round ornamental interest.
• Rich aromatic leaves perfect for traditional culinary use.
• Combines ornamental beauty with practical kitchen value.
• Produces nectar-rich flowers loved by bees.
• Hardy, drought tolerant and easy to grow.
• Excellent for herb gardens, borders and patio containers.
• Evergreen foliage provides colour even during winter.