How to Divide and Transplant Salvia

I’m spellbound by salvias. Several members of the Lamiaceae family dwell in my gardens.

Of course, I grow common sage for culinary and medicinal purposes. My Russian sage works to attract pollinators for my fruits.

Lemon balm and mints of all kinds stand guard, protecting the precious bare ground underneath.

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And although my Salvia nemorosa, or woodland sage, shares some of these functional purposes, I choose to grow it purely for pleasure.

Its feather-like foliage releases earthy aromas as my legs brush by. The violet spikes appear sharp and fierce, yet delicate at the same time – like a vulnerable Valkyrie.

Something about salvia tugs at my heart, causing a little lump to form in my throat that I can only describe as a primal urge to perform magic. So, I’ll admit – when it’s time to divide my salvia, I become giddy with excitement.

If you’re wondering if you can divide your own plants, the answer is yes. And there are a few good reasons to do so.

You can control the size of an overgrown plant or rejuvenate a tired-looking one. Or propagate babies from an especially precious variety to populate other corners of your garden or share with friends. I’ve got my book of spells (my plant journal) open to the page that explains everything you need to know about splitting and transplanting salvia. This is the wisdom I’ll share:

Ready to get started? Grab your magic wand and let’s go.

To keep your salvia looking healthy and vibrant, plan to divide it every two to four years, depending on the variety.

The best time of year to divide is in the spring or fall when the plant