Salvia officinalis 'Aurea' (Common Names: Golden Sage, Variegated Sage)
Detailed Description:
Salvia officinalis 'Aurea' is a beautiful variegated form of common sage, prized for its striking gold and green foliage that adds color and texture to both herb gardens and ornamental borders. At full growth, this evergreen perennial forms a compact, bushy mound of aromatic leaves with irregular yellow edges and green centers. The plant also produces delicate spikes of purple-blue flowers in late spring and early summer, providing a lovely contrast against the golden foliage. Whether used for culinary purposes or as an ornamental plant, 'Aurea' brings a splash of brightness and interest to any garden.
Flowering Period:
From late spring to early summer (May to July), 'Aurea' blooms with tall spikes of purple-blue flowers that are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Plant Height:
At full maturity, this plant reaches a height of 40-60 cm with a spread of 30-50 cm, making it a versatile addition to herb gardens, mixed borders, or containers.
Planting Location:
Salvia officinalis 'Aurea' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s ideal for herb gardens, sunny borders, rockeries, or as a container plant. Its compact growth makes it suitable for both small spaces and larger garden schemes. It is also a great choice for Mediterranean-style gardens, where its drought tolerance is an asset.
Best Uses:
This versatile plant is perfect for herb gardens, where its aromatic leaves can be harvested for culinary uses, including seasoning meats, sauces, and stuffings. The striking variegated foliage also makes it a beautiful addition to ornamental borders, rock gardens, or containers. 'Aurea' pairs well with other sun-loving perennials and herbs, adding vibrant color and fragrance to mixed plantings.
Care Tips:
Salvia officinalis 'Aurea' is easy to care for and thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging, as sage prefers drier conditions. Prune back the plant in spring to encourage bushy growth and remove any leggy stems. After flowering, trimming back spent flower spikes will keep the plant looking tidy and encourage more foliage growth. Sage is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal maintenance once established.
Interesting Facts:
Did you know? Sage has been used for centuries both as a culinary herb and for medicinal purposes. Its botanical name, Salvia, comes from the Latin word “salvare,” meaning “to heal,” reflecting its long history of use in traditional medicine. The golden variegated leaves of 'Aurea' make it one of the most ornamental forms of sage, perfect for adding both beauty and function to your garden.