Overwintering guide
How to overwinter magnolia-leaved sage
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills magnolia-leaved sage in winter
Cutting magnolia-leaved 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 magnolia-leaved sage care
Overwintering magnolia-leaved sage — FAQ
Does magnolia-leaved sage need to come indoors for winter?
Magnolia-leaved 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. Magnolia-leaved 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 magnolia-leaved sage for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water magnolia-leaved sage in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills magnolia-leaved sage over winter?
Cutting magnolia-leaved 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.