Overwintering guide
How to overwinter anise-scented sage
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills anise-scented sage in winter
Cutting anise-scented sage hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More anise-scented sage care
Overwintering anise-scented sage — FAQ
Does anise-scented sage need to come indoors for winter?
Anise-scented Sage is hardy to roughly USDA zone 7 — winter lows around -18°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Anise-scented Sage is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move anise-scented sage for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water anise-scented sage in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills anise-scented sage over winter?
Cutting anise-scented sage hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.