Golden Variegated Sage Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' (v)
ABOUT
Salvia officinalis 'Icterina', commonly known as golden sage, is a visually striking plant characterized by its vibrant and variegated foliage. The leaves of golden sage are the most distinctive aspect of its appearance, featuring a mix of soft green at the center with irregular edges of a creamy yellow to gold color, giving it a mottled or marbled look. The contrast between the green and yellow hues is quite pronounced, lending an ornamental quality to this culinary herb. The leaves of the golden sage are slightly wrinkled and have a soft, almost velvety texture. When it comes to its floral display, golden sage blooms with small, purplish-blue flowers that grow in whorls, adding to the plant’s decorative appeal. The flowers rise on slender spikes above the foliage when in season, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant's overall look is rounded out by its woody stems, which support the aromatic leaves and fragrant blossoms. This variety of sage retains the traditional herbal qualities of common sage, with the leaves exuding a strong, savory scent when crushed or brushed against. The variegated pattern of the leaves coupled with its pleasantly pungent aroma makes golden sage a favorite not only for its flavor but also for its ornamental uses in gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Golden Sage, Golden Variegated Sage, Variegated Sage, Yellow Sage.
Common names
Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Golden Sage is not considered toxic to humans when used in appropriate culinary quantities. However, consuming this plant in large amounts might lead to adverse effects due to various compounds, such as thujone, which is present in sage. In excessive amounts, thujone can cause symptoms such as seizures, dizziness, vomiting, and rapid heart rate. Overall, though, Golden Sage is typically safe when used as a seasoning in food.
To pets
Golden Sage is generally not considered toxic to pets. However, as with any plant, individual animals might experience varying reactions, and the ingestion of significant quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of any non-food plants, including Golden Sage.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aromatic: The leaves are highly fragrant and can be used to add a pleasing aroma to gardens and homes.
- Culinary uses: The leaves are often used in cooking to flavor a variety of dishes, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Attracts wildlife: The flowers can attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Ornamental value: With its variegated leaves, it provides visual interest in garden landscapes and container gardens.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for dry or xeriscape gardens.
- Low maintenance: It requires little care beyond occasional pruning and can be easily propagated.
- Seasonal interest: Produces flowers usually in late spring or early summer, adding a seasonal dynamic to garden spaces.
- Herbal uses: Though excluding medical properties, it can be used in making herbal teas and infusions for flavor.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant effects: Sage contains compounds that can act as antioxidants, which may help to prevent cell damage.
- Anti-inflammatory: Sage has been used for its potential to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antimicrobial properties: The plant has been known to have antimicrobial effects that may be beneficial in fighting bacterial and fungal infections.
- Cognitive effects: Sage has been traditionally used to enhance memory and cognitive functions.
- Digestive health: Sage tea has been historically used to aid digestion and alleviate issues like diarrhea and bloating.
- Menstrual cycle regulator: Sage has been used to help alleviate symptoms of menopause and regulate menstrual cycles.
- Throat and mouth health: It has been used in gargles to soothe sore throats and in dental products to support oral health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia officinalis 'Icterina', commonly known as variegated sage, can serve as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of green to yellow hues depending on the mordant used.
- In craft projects, the colorful leaves of variegated sage can be pressed and used for decorative purposes in scrapbooking or card making.
- Variegated sage leaves can be infused in oil to create a fragrant, flavored oil that can be used in salad dressings or as a marinade for meats.
- When grown in a garden, variegated sage acts as a companion plant, helping to repel certain pests from other plants like cabbage and carrots.
- The plant can be used to create a natural tooth cleaner by rubbing fresh leaves directly onto the teeth and gums.
- Variegated sage can be woven into wreaths or garlands for decorative purposes, adding a rustic charm to home decor.
- Dried leaves of the variegated sage can be burned as incense, offering a calming aroma that is often used in aromatherapy.
- The leaves can be used in the stuffing for heating pads or eye pillows, providing a gentle scent when warmed.
- Variegated sage can be used to create a natural polish for wood furniture by rubbing the leaves directly onto the wood.
- When used in potpourri, the plant's leaves can contribute to a visually appealing mix as well as add a subtle fragrance to a room.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Golden Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Golden Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: Salvia officinalis, commonly known as Sage, has a longstanding association with wisdom and knowledge, historically used to symbolize a deep sense of understanding and intelligence.
- Longevity: Sage is often considered a symbol of immortality and long life, possibly due to its health-associated benefits and use as a medicinal herb.
- Protection: In various cultures, sage is believed to offer protection against evil and is often used in rituals to cleanse spaces of negativity.
- Health: With its use in cooking and medicine, sage symbolizes good health and is often linked to well-being and healing properties.
WaterGolden Sage requires moderate watering. During its growing season in spring and summer, it's essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Generally, watering once every week with about 1-2 gallons per plant should suffice, depending on weather conditions. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing, and allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightGolden Sage thrives best in full sun conditions. It should be placed in a location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing spot is ideal for providing the intense light that this plant prefers. Adequate exposure to sunlight is crucial for the development of the strong flavor of its leaves and overall plant health.
TemperatureGolden Sage prefers temperatures between 60°F and 70°F for optimal growth but can tolerate a range from 50°F to 80°F. It can survive brief dips down to 20°F, but sustained freezing temperatures can harm the plant. The ideal temperature conditions facilitate flavor development and healthy growth, so it's best to avoid extreme cold or heat.
PruningPrune Golden Sage to encourage bushier growth and to prevent it from becoming woody. Pruning is best done in the springtime after the last frost has passed, or in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. Trim back about one-third of the growth to keep the plant compact and to promote new, flavorful leaves. Pruning is typically required once or twice a year, depending on the plant's growth rate.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Golden Sage (the common name for Salvia officinalis 'Icterina' (v)), the best soil mix is well-draining soil amended with sand or gravel to enhance drainage, combined with compost for nutrients. The ideal soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingGolden Sage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. It's best to repot in spring at the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingGolden Sage thrives in low to average humidity conditions; it doesn't require high humidity. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to keep humidity levels optimal.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Golden Sage in well-lit spot, preferably a sunny windowsill.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure soil is well-drained and not too moist.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia officinalis 'Icterina' (v), commonly known as Variegated Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm, well-draining soil. After germination, it develops into a seedling with characteristic variegated leaves that are green with yellow edges. The plant grows into a bushy perennial, producing woody stems and reaching maturity in its second year, when it starts to bloom with purplish-blue flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Following pollination, seeds are set and the plant can spread or be propagated through cuttings. Variegated Sage enters a dormancy period during the colder months, though in milder climates it can retain some foliage year-round. With proper care, including periodic pruning, the plant can thrive for several years, during which it can be harvested for its aromatic leaves commonly used in culinary dishes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Salvia officinalis 'Icterina', commonly known as variegated golden sage, is by semi-ripe cuttings. This technique is best performed in late summer. To propagate, one would cut a 3-4 inch (approximately 7.5-10 cm) stem tip from a healthy plant, making sure it includes a small amount of the older wood, known as a "heel". The lower leaves are removed and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in moist soil or a mix of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright area, out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept consistently moist until the cutting has rooted. This usually takes a few weeks, after which the rooted cuttings can be potted individually.
