Painted Sage Salvia viridis 'Blue Denim'
ABOUT
Salvia viridis 'Blue Denim', commonly known as clary sage, is a striking ornamental plant known for its vibrant floral display. It features a profusion of small, two-lipped flowers that often appear in an attractive shade of blue resembling denim fabric. However, these flowers themselves are not the primary show. The true visual interest comes from the large, colorful bracts that surround the flowers. These bracts are usually more vivid and longer-lasting than the flowers themselves, starting in shades of blue, then gradually aging to purples and soft pinks. The leaves of clary sage have a unique texture, often being slightly rough, and they form a lush, leafy backdrop for the intense colors of the bracts and flowers. They are mainly green and are sometimes accompanied by a striking veining or pattern that adds to the plant's decorative appeal. The overall effect of the plant's aesthetic is a blend of vivid color above with a dense, green base that provides a lush, full look for garden beds or borders. Clary sage's ability to bring a splash of denim-blue color to the landscape makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a cool-toned element to their floral designs. In the right conditions, clary sage will usually flourish and present a lengthy season of color, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden with its nectar-rich blossoms. It serves both as eye candy for the human observer and as a beneficial component of a pollinator-friendly garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Painted Sage, Clary, Painted Clary, Horminum Sage.
Common names
Salvia viridis.
ToxicityTo humans
Painted sage, commonly known as Salvia viridis 'Blue Denim', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming this plant, and it is not known to have harmful effects when handled or ingested in small quantities. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities are possible, and it's advisable to refrain from ingesting any plant material if you're unsure about its safety or if it's not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Painted sage is also not commonly considered toxic to pets. While it is not typical for pets to experience poisoning from this plant, it is always prudent to monitor your animals and prevent them from consuming large amounts of any non-food plants, as they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or more serious issues depending on the pet's size, the amount ingested, and individual sensitivity. If you suspect your pet has consumed a questionable plant and is showing symptoms of distress, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia viridis 'Blue Denim', commonly known as annual clary or orval, is known to attract bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate surrounding plants.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is well-known for being easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Colorful Foliage: The plant's bracts are a striking blue color, adding aesthetic vibrancy to garden beds and borders.
- Long Blooming Season: Annual clary has a long flowering season, often from late spring throughout the summer, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: It is not typically favored by deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for growing in containers, allowing for versatility in garden design and space utilization.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, saving time and effort for the gardener.
- Companion Planting: Can be used effectively in companion planting to enhance the growth of other plants and manage pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Salvia viridis 'Blue Denim', commonly known as Painted Sage, can be used to add a pop of color to both fresh and dried floral arrangements due to its vibrant bracts.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The intense blue-purple color of the Painted Sage can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Edible Garnish: While not commonly consumed, the young leaves of Painted Sage are edible and can be used as a decorative garnish on dishes, bringing a unique appearance due to their color.
- Photography Subject: The striking bracts of Painted Sage make it an excellent subject for botanical photography, providing a burst of color for natural-themed photo shoots.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique appearance of the Painted Sage can serve as inspiration for artists, who may use its color and form as a basis for paintings, drawings, or textile patterns.
- Bee Garden Attraction: Painted Sage is known for attracting bees, and can be planted in gardens designed to support these important pollinators.
- Study Specimen for Botany Education: Due to its unique coloring, Painted Sage can be used as a specimen plant in botany education to teach about plant pigmentation and bract structure.
- Erosion Control: Painted Sage can be used in landscaping for erosion control, thanks to its ability to grow in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners sometimes use Painted Sage for companion planting to add color and diversity, which can help deter pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden.
- Crafting Potpourri: The colorful bracts of Painted Sage, when dried, can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add visual appeal.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: The genus name Salvia is derived from the Latin word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal." Often, salvia plants are associated with wisdom, owing to their name's origin and the historic use of some species for memory enhancement.
- Longevity: Salvia plants have been used in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits, which includes promoting a long and healthy life. Thus, they can symbolize longevity.
- Healing: Due to their medicinal properties, many Salvia species are thought to have healing powers, and gifting someone this plant could be seen as a wish for their healing or recovery.
WaterPainted sage requires even moisture and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once every week, depending on local weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, the frequency may increase to twice a week. Use a watering can or hose to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. In cooler, less sunny periods or during the rainy season, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightPainted sage thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is one where the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperaturePainted sage prefers a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F but can grow in temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 80°F. It is not frost-tolerant, so in regions where the temperature drops below 50°F, it should be protected or brought indoors. The ideal growing conditions are warm days and cooler nights.
PruningPrune painted sage to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Cut back the stems by one-third after the first flush of flowers has faded. Pruning can also be done in early spring to shape the plant and promote bushier growth. The ideal time to prune is after the risk of frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPainted Sage 'Blue Denim' prefers well-draining soil with a light, loamy texture, rich in organic matter. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part perlite, and one part compost would be ideal. Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingPainted Sage 'Blue Denim' should generally be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and prevent root-bound conditions. It's best to repot in spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingPainted Sage 'Blue Denim' grows best in moderate humidity conditions, typical of what is found in most homes. They do not require excessively high humidity levels and can tolerate the drier air indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Painted Sage in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia viridis 'Blue Denim', commonly known as annual clary or painted sage, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, the seedling emerges and begins to develop its root system and first leaves in a rosette-like formation. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, where stems elongate and true leaves expand, forming a bushy structure. As it matures, Salvia viridis 'Blue Denim' produces flower spikes with colorful bracts in shades of blue, which are particularly attractive to pollinators. Once pollinated, the flowers produce seeds which then mature, signaling the end of the plant's life cycle; since it is an annual, the plant will die after seed production. Seed dispersal occurs, allowing the cycle to begin anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Salvia viridis 'Blue Denim', also known as painted sage, is commonly propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing its seeds is late winter to early spring, usually 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost when indoor temperature conditions allow for germination. After sprinkling the seeds onto the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix, they need light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil. Keep the seed tray in a warm place, around 70°F (21°C), and maintain moisture without making the soil waterlogged. Once seedlings emerge and grow large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting out in the garden. This process usually takes a few extra weeks after the danger of frost has passed, making it safe to move the young plants to their final growing positions.
