Is sage hardy? “These species can tolerate frost

The best hardy sage species - an overview

Real sage (Salvia officinalis) is considered the incarnation of an aromatic and medicinal plant par excellence and is the hobby gardener's favorite permanent guest in the herb garden. Of the evergreen subshrub moves in its aboveground plant parts in autumn. The root area is winter-proof and survives the cold season undamaged to sprout again next spring. The following species and varieties also have winter hardiness:

• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea): Growth height up to 110 cm, purple, red or white flowers, similar in aroma to real sage
• Whorled sage (Salvia verticillata): 50-80 cm high, blooming abundantly from May to September
• Silver leaf sage (Salvia argentea): Growth height up to 70 cm, wonderful ornamental leaf, winterproof down to -28 degrees
• Sage 'Aurea' (Salvia officinalis 'Aurea'): Growth height up to 60 cm, yellow-green variegated foliage, rich in essential oils

If sage is hardy, it fills the gaps that arise during the cold season Perennial bed. This applies in particular to ornamental sage (Salvia nemorosa), which can be discovered in charming varieties. It doesn't matter that the leaves are unsuitable for consumption.

This is how sage gets through the winter well

Behind the attribute 'winter-proof' there is a broad temperature range. Some species brave the Siberian cold, while others should receive winter protection from -10 degrees Celsius. If in doubt, prepare the herb plant in the bed for the cold season as follows:

• From early July to mid-August with a potassium-stressed fertilizer supply
• Not anymore from the end of August fertilize and cut
• Leave the withered branches on the plant until spring
• Cover the root area with leaves, straw or needles

If the winter weather is determined by freezing, sage threatens drought stress. Sage should therefore be watered a little on frost-free days.

This is how sage becomes winterproof on the balcony

For sage in the pot, special precautions apply in winter due to the exposed location of the root ball. In good time before the first frost, pay attention to the herbal plant:

• Wrap the bucket with bubble wrap or jute
• On the substrate Sawdust, Spread out leaves or straw

Place the planter on insulating material such as wood or styrofoam in front of the south wall of the house. Ideally, a light, frost-free winter area is available.

Tropical sage species do not tolerate frost

When cultivating exotic sage plants, the question 'Is sage hardy?' Is superfluous. Due to their origin, species such as honeydew melon sage (Salvia elegans) or the sky-blue gentian sage (Salvia patens) are naturally not hardy. Carry these candidates into a bright room with temperatures of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius in good time.

Tips & Tricks

Are you bothered by the poisonous thujone it contains when consuming sage? Then plant the hardy Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulifolia) because there is absolutely no thujone in it. Instead, the plants score with wonderful, silvery, shimmering leaves and a mild, aromatic taste.

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