Salvia Officinalis (Sage)

• Native to the Mediterranean region, Sage has been cultivated for thousands of years for its culinary and medicinal properties. It's perfectly adapted to dry, warm climates similar to many Australian regions.
• Features velvety, grey-green leaves with a distinctive earthy, slightly peppery aroma. Produces beautiful purple-blue flower spikes in spring and summer that attract bees and butterflies.
• Forms a compact, bushy shrub with a rounded growth habit. The soft, textured foliage provides year-round visual interest even when not in bloom.
• Gardeners love Sage for its low-maintenance nature and multiple uses. It's equally at home in the kitchen garden, as an ornamental border plant, or in water-wise landscaping schemes.

• Water deeply once a week during establishment, then reduce to fortnightly or less once mature. Let soil dry completely between waterings and avoid wetting the foliage.
• Position in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sage tolerates light afternoon shade in extremely hot climates but prefers maximum sun exposure.
• Plant in well-drained soil with added grit or sand if necessary. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture, as Sage prefers lean, slightly alkaline conditions.
• Feed sparingly with a light application of complete fertiliser in early spring. Over-feeding produces lush growth with less flavour and reduced hardiness.
• Prune back by one-third after flowering to maintain compact shape and prevent woodiness. Harvest leaves regularly throughout the growing season to encourage fresh growth.
• Sage requires minimal humidity and prefers dry air conditions. Avoid overcrowding with other plants to ensure good air circulation around the foliage.
• In summer, mulch lightly to keep roots cool but avoid moisture-retaining mulches against the stem. Reduce all watering in winter and protect from prolonged wet conditions.

• Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily to encourage compact growth and maximum flavour in the leaves. Morning sun is particularly beneficial in hot inland areas.
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Established plants are highly drought-tolerant and require minimal supplementary watering.
• Prune regularly after flowering to maintain a bushy shape and prevent plants becoming woody. Harvest leaves frequently to encourage fresh, tender growth.
• Reduce watering significantly during winter when growth slows. Protect from excessive rain and humidity which can cause fungal issues in cooler months.
• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser or compost. Avoid over-fertilising as this reduces the concentration of aromatic oils in the leaves.

• Powdery mildew can appear on leaves in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Improve spacing between plants and avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture on foliage.
• Aphids and whiteflies occasionally target new growth, causing distorted leaves. Spray with horticultural soap or neem oil, or encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds.
• Root rot develops when soil stays too wet, causing yellowing leaves and wilting. Ensure excellent drainage and reduce watering frequency, especially in winter.
• Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions, creating fine webbing on leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and rinse foliage with water regularly.