I've had to replace sage plants several times after they've started to die off branch by branch - at first they grow very lush and then they just start to die back (sometimes it happens after I've pruned the bush). Could it be some kind of root rot? Should I avoid planting it in the same spot? Sage is one of my favourite herbs, so I'd love to be able to solve this problem. (I live in an area that's mostly frost-free, and have planted the sage in a good, sunny spot in clay soil)

Your problem could be the clay soil. Sage likes a rich loam. Try growing it in a large pot with potting mix

Thanks Margie - will try this.

I have the same problem have put in several plants over the years & the last one died almost as soon as it hit the ground!
I will try 1 in a pot now & see it that works. Margie what should I manure it with? I always thought herbs liked poor soil.

It is definately the clay soil, because it is a silver leafed plant it requires hot dry conditions, the reason you get good growth to start is that in the begining it is actively growing and uses the water up or the cinditions are in your favour but then with time the bad outways the good.

I now have sage in a pot and I'm watching it with interest! It's sitting on the concrete roof of my woodshed in a north-facing position...

I love sage too. This year I have repotted it in cpotting mix/compost and it has gone crazy- even has flowers for th e first time. I shifted it to a sheltered sunny spot. Same with the purple sage, thyme and oreganum. yes give it a repot and find the best spot for it

Hi,
planted sage this year, and a few other herbs, but planted them in containers. They are doing so well I am wondering if a 15 ltr container is large enough. What do others think?.

Also planted tomatoes likewise but Squige, our errant puddy cat decided it was a nice place to 'dig and bury'. Ah well. Ann

I grow all my herbs (apart from rosemary) in big pots - sage green and purple. mint 4 different varieties, thyme 2 different, chives, basil, coriander, marj, orag, parsley - curly and flat, tarragon, dill and lemon grass. This way I can have them right by the kitchen deck and choose to either have them in full sun or more shaded depending on their requirments. I take cuttings thru the year to replace the adult plant and grow them off in the shadehouse until required.

Thankyou for your interesting reply Raewyn. I have most herbs in different pots, but have lost the basil for some reason and the corriander has shot up and gone into flower in two weeks from planting. Again the endive is about 8 inches high and very closely packed leaves. The whole plant looks like the size of a medium sized cabbage.

Now I am stuck for ideas, other than in salads, as to what to use it for. Once again, many thanks Ann (W)