Bountiful Gardens

'Icterina' Sage (Salvia officinalis)

The name "Icterina" comes from the Greek word for "yellowish," and this plant lives up to it. It is a compact, woody perennial that keeps its golden glow all year round. In a container, it provides a bright, sun-kissed look even on cloudy days.

Setting the Stage for Success

Soil & Fertilizer

'Icterina' prefers the Mediterranean "lean and dry" approach.

• The Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Because variegated plants are sometimes slightly less vigorous than their solid-green cousins, ensuring the roots have plenty of air is vital.

• Feeding: A light application of a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring is plenty. If you over-fertilize, the plant may "revert" to solid green leaves to try and grow faster.

Maintaining the Variegation

Occasionally, a variegated sage might produce a stem that is entirely green.

• The Fix: Snip these solid green stems off at the base as soon as you see them. The solid green parts grow faster than the yellow parts and can eventually "take over" the plant if left alone.

Maintenance, Trimming & Troubleshooting

Keep it Golden

• Harvesting: Frequent light trimming is actually good for 'Icterina.' Snip the tips of the stems to encourage the plant to stay in a tight, bushy mound.

• Pruning: In early spring, cut the plant back by about one-third. This removes any "winter-weary" foliage and makes room for a fresh flush of bright yellow and green leaves.

Pest Prevention & Troubleshooting

• Humidity: Like all sages, 'Icterina' can be prone to powdery mildew in very humid, stagnant air. Keep your pot in a spot with good circulation.

• Winter Protection: While hardy, 'Icterina' is slightly more tender than the solid green varieties. If you expect a deep freeze, wrap the pot in burlap or move it to a sheltered spot against the house.

Flavor & Culinary Delight

Don't let the pretty leaves fool you—this is a high-quality culinary sage. It has the same warm, musky, and slightly peppery flavor as the classic variety.

• Sage & Lemon: The yellow margins of the leaves make this a perfect pairing for lemon-based dishes. Use it in a lemon-butter sauce for white fish or roasted chicken.

• Garnish: Because the leaves are so striking, they make the best edible garnish for charcuterie boards or holiday platters.

• Herb Vinegar: Drop a few sprigs of 'Icterina' into a bottle of white wine vinegar. Not only will it flavor the vinegar, but it will look beautiful on your kitchen counter.

Pro-Tip: The "Golden Light" Pairing

'Icterina' looks its absolute best when paired with dark-foliaged plants. Try planting it in a pot with dark purple Pansies in the spring or 'Dark Opal' Basil in the summer. The dark colors make the yellow margins of the sage practically "pop" off the plant!