Variegated Sage
Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’
Variegated sage refers to varieties of the common culinary herb (Salvia officinalis) that feature multi-coloured, aromatic leaves. These plants are prized for both their decorative appeal in landscaping and their edible, though slightly more subtle, flavor.
Popular Variegated Varieties
- Golden Variegated Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’): Features fuzzy green leaves marbled with vibrant yellow-gold margins.
- Tricolor Sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’): Displays a striking mix of green, white, and rosy-purple or pink tones on a single plant.
- Berggarten Variegated Sage: A sport of the ‘Berggarten’ cultivar with larger, rounded leaves edged irregularly in pale yellow or cream.
Care & Characteristics
- Flavor & Use: All variegated varieties are completely safe to eat and can be used like traditional sage, though their flavor is often muted and less bitter.
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours), which helps maintain the intensity of the leaf colours.
- Soil & Water: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but sensitive to overwatering.
- Reversion: Occasionally, variegated branches may “revert” to solid green. It is recommended to prune out solid green growth to prevent it from overtaking the slower-growing variegated sections.