As summer wanes, one of Fearrington Gardens' beloved fall bloomers is just beginning to open. Japanese Yellow Sage (Salvia koyamae) is an unusual shade-blooming sage, rare both in cultivation, and in its native Honshu, Japan habitat.
Japanese Yellow Sage is a plant that invites inspection, rewarding observers with greater detail at each closer look. From a distance, it first appears as a glimpse of buttery yellow among the light and shadows of a shady garden. On approach, the yellow flecks take shape as spikes of flowers rising from a wide mound of light green leaves. Examined individually, many will recognize a classic Salvia flower, a tubular and two-lipped shape attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
Beneath the blooms, a look at the foliage reveals distinct arrowhead-shaped leaves, adding angles and lines to an overall rounded form. Keen observers will then notice the tiny, delicate scalloping along each leaf’s edge, and may take a moment to feel its soft, fuzzy texture.
Japanese Yellow Sage can be found in the Village in front of the Fearrington House, complementing a Kousa Dogwood and Japanese Plum Yew, and on the Garden Terrace, partnered with Smooth Hydrangea and mixed shade perennials.
Rachael, Fearrington Gardener
The Village Shops are open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am - 5pm.
