Salvia Salvia Mirage Deep Purple = 'Balmirdepur' (PBR) (Mirage Series)
ABOUT
The Salvia Mirage Deep Purple, belonging to the Mirage Series, is a striking plant known for its vibrant floral display. This particular variety showcases intense deep purple blossoms that create a lush blanket of color. The flowers themselves are tubular and are arranged in whorls along the upright spikes that rise above the foliage. Each individual bloom presents a velvety texture, adding visual depth to the overall appearance of the plant. Complementing the rich purple hues of the flowers, the foliage consists of lush green leaves that have a slightly textured surface, giving them a robust and full look. The leaves are typically oval-shaped with a slight point at the end and are arranged oppositely along the stem, forming a neat and attractive backdrop for the brilliant blossoms. This visually appealing contrast between the deep purple flowers and verdant green leaves makes the Salvia Mirage Deep Purple a desirable plant for adding a pop of color to garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Mirage Deep Purple Sage, Mirage Deep Purple Autumn Sage
Common names
Salvia nemorosa 'Balmirdepur'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Salvia Mirage Deep Purple is simply Salvia. Generally, most Salvia species are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, individual reactions can vary, and some people might experience mild symptoms if they ingest parts of the plant. These symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Sensitivity to Salvia might also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals upon contact. It's always advisable to be cautious and avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants.
To pets
Salvia species, which include the Salvia Mirage Deep Purple, are not typically known to be highly toxic to pets. However, pets may exhibit mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if they consume parts of the plant. As with humans, individual animals may have varying levels of sensitivity, and it's always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants. If a pet ingests Salvia and shows signs of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Deep Purple
Height
18 inches (45 cm)
Spread
24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant deep purple flowers of the Salvia attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners at all levels of experience.
- Drought Tolerance: It is well-suited for xeriscaping or gardens that experience dry periods.
- Long Blooming Season: With flowers that bloom from late spring to fall, it provides a long-lasting display of color.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its foliage is not favored by deer or rabbits, protecting it from grazing.
- Versatile Landscape Use: It can be used in borders, containers, and mass plantings for versatile design options.
- Compact Habit: With a neat, mounded growth habit, it is ideal for small gardens or spaces with limited room.
- Color Contrast: Deep purple blooms offer a striking contrast against green foliage, enabling dramatic garden designs.
- Improved Cultivar: Being part of the Mirage Series, it has been selectively bred for improved characteristics such as flower size and plant vigor.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Projects: The deep purple leaves and flowers of Salvia can be pressed and used in botanical art or to create natural dyes for fabrics and papers.
- Photography Prop: Its vibrant purples make Salvia an attractive subject or backdrop for photographers looking for natural pops of color in their compositions.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers can be used to add an unusual, vibrant garnish to desserts and cocktails for special occasions.
- Educational Gardens: Salvia can be included in school gardens to teach students about perennial plants and pollinator attraction.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried Salvia flowers can contribute a pleasant scent and deep purple hue to homemade potpourri mixes.
- Natural Confetti: Dried petals of the Salvia can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative at eco-friendly celebrations.
- Floral Bath Salts: The petals can be mixed with Epsom salts and essential oils to create luxurious, homemade floral bath salts.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Salvia flowers and leaves can be laminated to create unique and elegant bookmarks.
- Floral Ice Cubes: Small flowers can be frozen within ice cubes to add a touch of elegance to iced beverages during summer events.
- Garden Companion Planting: Salvia can be strategically planted in the garden to complement and contrast neighboring plants with its deep purple coloring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, commonly known as sage, is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties that have been used in traditional remedies for centuries.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia derives from the Latin 'salvere' meaning 'to save' or 'to heal', symbolizing wisdom and the acquisition of knowledge through experience.
- Longevity: Sage is known for its longevity and perennial nature, making it a symbol of immortality and long life.
- Protection: Sage has been used in various cultures for purification and protection against evil, often burned in smudging ceremonies.
- Peace: The calming scent of sage is believed to promote peace, tranquility, and mental well-being.
WaterPerennial Salvias, such as 'Mirage Deep Purple', should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth, generally about once a week during active growth periods, and less during cooler months. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Apply approximately one to two gallons of water per plant, ensuring moisture reaches the roots without leaving the soil soggy. During hot, dry spells, increase the frequency of watering to every three to four days, monitoring the plant for any signs of stress.
LightPerennial Salvias, including 'Mirage Deep Purple', thrive in full sun conditions, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Place the plant in a location where it can receive ample morning light and protection from the harsh afternoon sun if you live in a hotter climate, ensuring vibrant growth and optimal flowering.
TemperatureSalvias such as 'Mirage Deep Purple' prefer temperate conditions and are hardy in a range of temperatures from approximately 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short periods of colder weather down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this Salvia is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit where growth and flowering are most prolific.
PruningPruning your 'Mirage Deep Purple' Salvia is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. Conduct a more thorough pruning in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth by about one-third to stimulate new shoots and maintain plant shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Salvia 'Mirage Deep Purple' prefers a well-draining soil mix with added compost or peat moss to retain some moisture. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant. Incorporating perlite or sand can improve drainage, which is crucial for the health of this salvia.
RepottingSalvia 'Mirage Deep Purple' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Springtime is best for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new pot before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingSalvia 'Mirage Deep Purple' thrives in moderate to low humidity conditions. It does not require high humidity and can do well in typical outdoor environments where it can receive fresh air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun; water regularly; protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Salvia 'Balmirdepur' begins with seed germination, typically in the warm spring season, where moist soil and warmer temperatures encourage the seed to sprout. As the seedling emerges, it will develop its first set of true leaves and begin to photosynthesize, gradually growing into a young plant. During its vegetative stage, the plant focuses on leaf and stem growth, establishing a strong root system and robust foliage. Upon reaching maturity and with adequate light, water, and nutrition, it enters the flowering stage, where it produces deep purple blossoms that attract pollinators and are a hallmark of the Mirage Series. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds, which, once mature, are dispersed—either naturally or through human intervention—completing its reproductive cycle. Lastly, as a perennial, the Salvia Mirage Deep Purple will enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia Mirage Deep Purple, commonly known as salvia, is typically propagated through the sowing of seeds. For successful propagation, it is crucial to sow the seeds at the correct time, generally in late winter to early spring, ensuring they are ready for transplant after the last frost. Seeds can be started indoors under grow lights to provide a controlled environment. Scatter the seeds over a tray filled with seed-starting mix, lightly covering them with soil as salvia seeds need darkness to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not saturated, maintaining a temperature around 70°F (21°C) for optimal germination. Seedlings should be thinned out and eventually transplanted to individual pots once they've established a couple of true leaves. This method allows for a large number of new plants and maintains varietal consistency across generations.
