Early fall flowering Salvia for half shade or shade garden. Deer resistant, pollinator friendly, valuable for late blooming.
Japanese Yellow Sage is very rare in nature, even in its native habitat, and people want it because it attracts hummingbirds.
The fuzzy, arrow-shaped leaves are fragrant, ornamental and grow up to 6″ long. Larger, yellow flowers that are also scented bloom from late summer through mid fall. This sage grows in clumps, creeps with trailing stems, and may self-seed in ideal conditions. It doesn’t get many pests or diseases.
It grows well in nature-inspired gardens, cottage gardens, borders, containers, as a ground cover, and as a cut flower. Can handle droughts that last for a moderate amount of time, but it would rather have some water or deep watering every once in a while if the drought lasts too long.
Blooming Time: August – October Size: up to 1. 5 to 9 in. tall and 2 to 3 feet wide; part shade to nearly full shade; fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil; average amount of water; established plants can handle drought; native to Honshu Island, Japan; deer and rabbit resistant; attracts butterflies or pollinators; attracts hummingbirds; yes; pot size: square 3 For a 5″ x 4″ deep perennial pot, plant combinations like Actaea (Cimicifuga), Asarum, Astilbe, Brunnera, Epimedium, Heuchera, Helleborus, Hosta, Iris cristata (and the Asian woodland Irises counterparts), Phlox divaricata, Primula, Polygonatum, spring ephemerals (Mertensia, Sanquinaria, Trillium, Uvularia), Hakonechloa macra, Carex, or Calamagrostis brachytricha can be used together. Picture Copyright: 1 – Allen Centennial Garden 2 – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Commons Wikipedia.
Sage plants come in a wide variety of forms, but those with yellow flowers hold a special appeal. The bright golden blooms provide a cheerful accent to gardens and landscapes. Let’s explore some of the top options when it comes to sage plants with yellow blossoms.
An Overview of Sages
Sages belong to the genus Salvia, which includes nearly 1,000 species worldwide. They range from annuals to perennials to shrubs. Most have aromatic leaves that are used for culinary purposes. Their flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, and white, in addition to yellow.
These plants thrive in hot, sunny conditions. They are extremely drought-tolerant. In fact, too much moisture can lead to root rot. Well-drained soil is a must. Sages are very attractive to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbits tend to leave them alone.
Jerusalem Sage
One of the most popular yellow-flowered sages is Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) This semi-evergreen subshrub reaches three to four feet tall and wide It has felted gray-green leaves and clusters of small tubular yellow blooms from late spring into summer, The fuzzy blossoms give it a wooly appearance,
Jerusalem sage makes an excellent accent plant for perennial borders and cottage gardens. It also works well in containers. After flowering finishes, shear it back by one-third to promote bushiness and potential reblooming. It thrives in full sun and requires little watering or care once established. Zones 7-10.
Chinese Yellow Sage
For a truly eye-catching display, look no further than Chinese yellow sage (Phlomis russeliana). In late spring, this clump-forming perennial sends up stout stems topped with dense, spherical heads of golden flowers. It reaches two to three feet tall and wide at maturity.
The large blooms and blue-gray foliage make Chinese yellow sage ideal for the middle to back of borders. It also stands out nicely against darker evergreens. After flowering, cut back stems to promote bushiness. This plant spreads slowly via rhizomes and may need dividing every few years. Grow it in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Zones 5-9.
Japanese Yellow Sage
Japanese yellow sage (Salvia koyamae) is prized by gardeners for its late season golden blooms. From August through October, it bears abundant fuzzy yellow flowers beloved by hummingbirds and other pollinators. The leaves are aromatic and arrow-shaped.
This clump-forming sage spreads by trailing stems that take root where they touch the ground. It reaches one and a half to two feet tall and two to three feet wide. Japanese yellow sage thrives in humus-rich soil and dappled shade. It tolerates heat, humidity and short periods of drought once established. Zones 5-9.
Golden Sage
For glowing color in late spring, add golden sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Icterina’) to sunny perennial beds, herb gardens, and containers. This variegated form of common culinary sage has green leaves edged in bright yellow. Spikes of lavender-blue flowers complement the foliage.
Golden sage grows two to three feet tall and wide in well-drained soil. It requires at least six hours of direct sun per day. The leaves have a strong, distinctly sage flavor perfect for seasoning meats, salads, and more. Bring container plants indoors for the winter in cold climates. Zones 5-8.
Dwarf Golden Sage
Looking for a compact sage with cheery yellow blooms? Dwarf golden sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Compacta Aurea’) only reaches 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. It bears aromatic gray-green leaves variegated in golden yellow. Lavender flower spikes appear in early summer.
This dwarf golden sage is ideal for the front of borders and containers. It combines nicely with purple and pink flowers. The leaves have a robust sage flavor and scent perfect for culinary use. In zone 5 and colder, grow it in containers you can move indoors for winter. Zones 5-9.
Lady in Yellow Sage
Lady in yellow sage (Salvia microphylla ‘Lady in Yellow’) offers nonstop golden blooms from late spring until frost. This compact bushy perennial reaches two feet tall and wide. The small leaves are aromatic when crushed. Lavender-blue flowers may also appear at times.
With its long bloom period, lady in yellow sage is ideal for beds, borders, containers, and pollinator and butterfly gardens. Periodic deadheading encourages more flowers. It thrives in full sun and hot, dry conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Zones 7-10.
Golden Girl Sage
For gorgeous variegated foliage and golden blooms, grow Salvia ‘Golden Girl.’ This hybrid plant has green leaves generously splashed and edged with creamy yellow. Dense spikes of bright yellow flowers appear in summer. It reaches an tidy 18 inches tall and wide.
Golden girl sage is perfect for containers and adding vibrant color to garden beds and borders. The foliage provides visual interest after the flowers fade. Like other sages, it thrives in hot, sunny areas with well-drained soil. Cut it back hard after flowering to encourage bushy new growth. Zones 7-11.
Aurea Sage
Salvia aurea, also known as Texas sage and purple sage, is beloved for its aromatic silvery foliage and abundant golden blooms in late summer and fall. The bushy, evergreen shrub reaches up to four feet tall and wide. Light purple flowers may also appear at times.
This tough, adaptable sage thrives in hot, dry conditions. It makes an excellent hedge or screen. The leaves have a noticeable sage scent when crushed. Aurea sage looks beautiful paired with red and purple flowering plants. Provide full sun and trim as needed to maintain shape. Zones 7-11.
Golden Fleece Sage
A lovely border plant, Salvia ‘Golden Fleece’ bears sage green leaves with wide, creamy yellow margins. Short racemes of small golden yellow flowers appear from early summer into fall and contrast nicely with the foliage. This perennial grows 12 to 18 inches tall.
Golden fleece sage is perfect for the front of beds and borders, rock gardens, and container plantings. It combines well with pink and purple flowers. Shear off spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Provide full sun and well-drained soil. Mulch in winter in cold climates. Zones 5-10.
Growing and Caring for Yellow-Flowered Sages
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Choose a planting site that receives full sun and has very well-drained soil. Avoid wet, soggy areas.
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Amend soil with compost or aged manure before planting. Most types will thrive in average garden soil.
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Space plants according to their expected mature width. Allow good air circulation between stems.
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Water young plants regularly until established. Then water only when soil is dry 2-3 inches deep. Avoid overwatering.
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Apply a thin layer of mulch around plants to help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Avoid piling mulch against stems.
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Fertilize established plants once or twice a year with a balanced 10-10-10 formula.
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Prune off spent flower spikes and dead or damaged growth as needed to encourage blooming and maintain shape.
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Watch for pests like whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites. Control with horticultural soaps and oils.
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Propagate by stem cuttings or division in spring or fall. Young plants can also be started from seed.
Discover the Allure of Yellow-Flowered Sages
With their bright golden blossoms and aromatic foliage, it’s easy to see why yellow-flowered sages are so popular. They provide cheery color in the garden when many other plants are past their prime. Try combining different varieties for an extended bloom season. With proper siting and care, these rugged plants will grace your landscape with their sunshine hues year after year.
Salvia koyamae – JAPANESE YELLOW SAGE
Salvia clevelandii – Cleveland Sage
FAQ
Does sage have yellow flowers?
Is sage still good if it flowers?
How do you care for forsythia sage?
What is the yellow flower in Jerusalem sage?
Is Sage a perennial?
The misnomer comes from the appearance of its leaves, which are pale green and soft, like those of a sage plant. The shrub is evergreen in USDA zones 8 through 11, though it can be treated as a perennial in zones 7, 6 and, sometimes, zone 5. The growth will die back with the frost and grow back from the roots in the spring.
What do Sage leaves look like?
The leaves are bright yellow-green, small, and do not resemble a typical sage plant. The plant has bright red tubular-shaped blooms in summer that draw hummingbirds in like a moth to a flame. The leaves (and flowers in some cultivars) are edible, taste delicious, and can be used in everything from teas to salads to desserts.
What does Italian Sage look like?
Italian sage has large violet flowers with grey leaves. This variety of culinary sage isn’t commonly used for medicinal purposes, and it is a good choice if you want to grow it for ornamental reasons. It grows up to 2 feet tall with opposite, ovate leaves that are about 1 inch in length.
What does a sage plant taste like?
This sage variety is the second most common variety, and it’s known for its fruity aroma and minty flavor with hints of citrus. It has a vigorous growth habit, so make sure you grow it where it can have room to spread. The leaves are bright yellow-green, small, and do not resemble a typical sage plant.
How big does a sage grow?
It grows up to 3 feet tall with dark green leaves. It has blue/purple flowers that are often used in bouquets and dried flower arrangements. Greek sage accounts for 50-95% of the dried sage sold in North America, so it’s safe to say that it’s quite popular. 7. Scarlet Sage Also known as: Scarlet salvia
Are sage plants drought resistant?
This sage variety thrives in many conditions, from cool to hot, and is drought-resistant. Autumn sage is a smaller variety with velvety green, ovate leaves about 2 inches long. It’ll bloom from spring to fall, producing tall flower spikes that can be pink, purple, orange, red, or yellow.