09/06/2026
From Fearrington gardener Rachael:
“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.”
