Overwintering guide
How to overwinter big red sage
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills big red sage in winter
Cutting big red 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 big red sage care
Overwintering big red sage — FAQ
Does big red sage need to come indoors for winter?
Big Red Sage is hardy to roughly USDA zone 6 — winter lows around -23°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Big Red 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 big red sage for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water big red sage in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills big red sage over winter?
Cutting big red 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.