Baby Sage Salvia microphylla 'Kew Red'
ABOUT
Salvia microphylla 'Kew Red', commonly known as baby sage or hot lips sage, is a visually striking plant known for its vibrant flowers and lush foliage. The flowers are a standout feature, presenting a stunning hue that ranges from deep red to a reddish-pink tone. Though variable, these blooms are tubular in shape and appear densely clustered, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. The leaves of baby sage are small and oval-shaped with a somewhat glossy texture, their edges finely serrated. The foliage possesses a green color that can range from bright apple green to a more muted, darker green, providing a rich backdrop that contrasts elegantly with the radiant flowers. Complementing the foliage, the stems are robust, often with a square-like cross-section—a characteristic trait of the sage family. The overall appearance of baby sage is one of dense, verdant growth, interspersed with splashes of vivid red, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Kew Red Sage, Baby Sage, Graham's Sage, Red Autumn Sage
Common names
Salvia microphylla var. neurepia, Salvia microphylla var. wislizeni.
ToxicityTo humans
Baby sage, which is the common name for Salvia microphylla 'Kew Red', typically is not considered toxic to humans. In general, the Salvia genus, which includes common garden sages, is often used in cooking and for herbal remedies. However, it's always advisable to exercise caution and refrain from ingesting plants that are not explicitly grown or labeled for culinary use. If there were any toxic properties or a person had a specific allergy to the plant, symptoms could potentially include gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions, but such cases are not commonly reported with this plant.
To pets
Baby sage, the common name for Salvia microphylla 'Kew Red', is not widely known to be toxic to pets. It is part of the Salvia genus, some of which are used in culinary contexts. As with humans, pets should generally be discouraged from eating ornamental plants since they could cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction if the animal has a sensitivity to the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of the plant and is showing signs of distress, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: 'Kew Red' is known for drawing in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a long season of blooms, typically from late spring through frost, providing extended visual appeal in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a splash of color with its vivid red flowers and contrasting green foliage, which can enhance the beauty of garden beds and borders.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Fragrant Foliage: When the leaves are brushed or crushed, they release a pleasant aroma, adding a sensory experience to the garden.
- Compact Size: Its small size makes it suitable for planting in smaller gardens, containers, or as borders without overgrowing the space.
- Resistant to Pests and Diseases: Generally hardy and resistant to common garden pests and diseases, which means fewer chemical interventions.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hummingbird Attractant: Due to its brightly colored flowers, the 'Kew Red' variety of Salvia microphylla, commonly known as Baby's Breath Salvia or Hot Lips, is an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds to the garden.
- Bee Garden Addition: Baby's Breath Salvia provides a rich nectar source for bees and can be used to create a bee-friendly garden that supports pollinator health and biodiversity.
- Butterfly Habitat: This plant serves as a food source for butterflies, encouraging their presence and aiding in butterfly conservation efforts.
- Culinary Garnish: The vibrant flowers of Baby's Breath Salvia can be used to add a splash of color to salads or desserts as an edible garnish.
- Photography Subject: With its striking red blooms, Baby's Breath Salvia is a popular choice for garden photography, providing a vivid subject for amateur and professional photographers alike.
- Educational Tool: In schools and nature programs, this plant can be utilized to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and the importance of native flora in local ecosystems.
- Aromatherapy Gardens: The aromatic leaves of Baby's Breath Salvia can contribute to relaxing and therapeutic gardens designed for aromatherapy.
- Dye Source: Although not commonly used for this purpose, the flowers of Baby's Breath Salvia can potentially be used to create natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Craft Projects: Dried flower spikes can be incorporated into craft projects, such as wreaths or potpourri, adding fragrance and a decorative touch.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried, the stems of 'Kew Red' can be used in floral arrangements to provide a long-lasting splash of color indoors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Baby Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Baby Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia plants, commonly known as sage, have been used in traditional medicine for their healing properties, and as such, are often associated with health and wellness.
- Wisdom: The Latin name 'Salvia' comes from the word 'salvere,' meaning 'to save' or 'to heal,' which is why sage is often linked with wisdom and knowledge, as it was believed to save people from ignorance.
- Protection: Sage has been used in various cultures for cleansing and protection rituals, believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
- Longevity: Due to its health benefits and properties in traditional medicine, sage is sometimes linked with longevity and immortality.
- Purification: Beyond physical healing, sage is also seen as a symbol for spiritual and emotional purification, often used in smudging ceremonies.
WaterThe 'Kew Red' Mexican Bush Sage needs regular watering to establish a strong root system, particularly during its first growing season. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, but optimal moisture promotes the best flowering and plant health. Water deeply once a week, applying about one to two gallons per plant, ensuring the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. Always check the top couple of inches of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightThe 'Kew Red' Mexican Bush Sage thrives best in full sun conditions, enjoying at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but flowering may be reduced. The ideal spot for this plant would be a south or west-facing location where it receives ample sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureThe 'Kew Red' Mexican Bush Sage prefers a warm climate and is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10. It can tolerate temperatures down to around 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but may suffer damage below this range. Ideally, maintain temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth, ensuring the plant is protected from frost and extreme cold.
PruningPruning the 'Kew Red' Mexican Bush Sage encourages denser growth and more prolific blooming. Prune in early spring, cutting back the plant by about one-third to remove winter-damaged foliage and to shape the plant. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can encourage further blooms. The best time for major pruning is after the last frost when new growth begins to appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBaby Sage (Salvia microphylla 'Kew Red') thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A good mix consists of two parts garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or coarse sand. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingBaby Sage should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or when it has outgrown its current container. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while mature plants can be repotted less often.
Humidity & MistingBaby Sage prefers moderate to low humidity levels and is quite adaptable to typical household humidity conditions for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Position Baby Sage near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Baby Sage in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia microphylla 'Kew Red', commonly known as Baby Sage or Graham's sage, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically in spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are conducive for growth. Seedlings develop true leaves and gradually mature into bushy herbaceous perennials with woody bases, reaching up to 2-3 feet in height. Throughout the spring and summer, the plant experiences a vegetative growth phase, characterized by the proliferation of foliage and the elongation of stems. Flowering occurs from late spring to frost, where 'Kew Red' displays vibrant red blossoms that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, seeds form and are dispersed, completing the reproductive stage. In regions with mild winters, 'Kew Red' may persist as an evergreen, while in colder climates, the above-ground portion dies back, with the plant re-sprouting from its root system or seeds the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The ideal propagation time for Salvia microphylla 'Kew Red', commonly known as Baby Sage or Red Sage, is during late spring to early summer. During this period, the temperatures are warm enough to encourage root growth without the intense heat that might stress a new plant. The most popular method for propagating this salvia is through semi-ripe stem cuttings. To do this, choose a healthy stem and cut a 3 to 5-inch long (about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) section just below a node, where leaves emerge. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder, and then insert into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat and perlite. Water the cutting and place it in a warm, lightly shaded area. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
