Baby Sage Salvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride'
ABOUT
Salvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride', commonly known as baby sage, features a dense, bushy habit with an abundance of vibrant, deep pink to magenta flowers that boast a contrasting dark burgundy calyx. The blossoms of this perennial appear in profusion from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. The leaves of 'Robin's Pride' are aromatic when brushed or crushed, emitting a pleasant fragrance that can evoke a sense of a wild mountain meadow. These leaves are small, oval to slightly elongated, and have a bright green color that contrasts nicely with the boldness of the flowers. Baby sage's overall shape gives it a hearty, lush appearance, providing an alluring pop of color and texture to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Baby Sage, Graham's Sage, Blackcurrant Sage, Littleleaf Sage, Cherry Sage, Hot Lips.
Common names
Salvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride'
ToxicityTo humans
Baby sage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with the plant since Baby sage does not contain any known toxic principles that pose a risk upon ingestion or contact in typical garden scenarios. However, individual sensitivities can vary and some people may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions when handling plants or accidentally ingesting them. In such rare cases, symptoms might include gastrointestinal discomfort or skin irritation.
To pets
Baby sage is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to contain any toxic substances that would typically cause symptoms of poisoning in pets such as dogs or cats if they ingest the plant. However, as with humans, individual animals might have sensitivities or allergies to the plant, potentially resulting in mild gastrointestinal upset or local irritation if ingested or if they come into contact with the plant's foliage.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that help with pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered an easy plant to maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves are sometimes used in cooking for their mint-like flavor, though it's important to confirm they are safe for consumption.
- Landscape Aesthetics: With its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, it adds color and beauty to gardens and landscape designs.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant has a long flowering period, providing color from late spring to frost in many regions.
- Deer Resistance: It is often resistant to deer, which can help to preserve garden aesthetics in areas with deer populations.
- Low Maintenance: Salvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride' typically requires minimal care once it is established in the right conditions.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return year after year, making it a permanent feature in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride', commonly known as baby sage, can be used to create a natural dye for fabric, utilizing its leaves and flowers to impart a gentle green or yellow hue.
- In a less conventional approach, crushed leaves of the baby sage can serve as an aromatic filler for sachets or potpourri to freshen up clothing drawers and closets.
- As a sensory garden addition, the textured and fragrant foliage of baby sage provides a tactile and olfactory experience for garden visitors, including those with visual impairments.
- The plant's structure and dense foliage can offer shelter and microhabitats for beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Baby sage can be used in educational settings as a living example for botany lessons, teaching about plant growth, anatomy, and pollination.
- In a culinary setting, the flowers of baby sage are edible and can be used as a colorful, mild-flavored garnish for salads and desserts.
- The nectar-rich flowers can be included in the crafting of eco-friendly floral jewelry, such as living necklaces or boutonnieres.
- When dried and woven, the stems of baby sage can contribute to the creation of small decorative wreaths or contribute texture to mixed-media art pieces.
- Creative photography projects can use baby sage as a natural backdrop or a subject for macro photography, capturing the fine details of its flora.
- As a form of artistic inspiration, baby sage can be used by painters or textile designers for its interesting leaf shape and vibrant flower color.
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- Wisdom: The genus Salvia is often associated with wisdom due to its etymology; 'Salvia' is derived from the Latin word 'salvere', meaning 'to be saved' or 'to heal', suggesting a connection to knowledge and learning.
- Longevity: Salvia plants, including the Salvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride', are known for their longevity and resilient nature, which is why they often symbolize long life and survival through difficult circumstances.
- Healing: Salvias have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, hence they come to symbolize healing, both physical and spiritual.
- Sensory Experience: With their aromatic foliage and attractive flowers, they are a reminder to engage with and enjoy our sensory experiences in the present moment.
- Protection: Some varieties of Salvia are believed to have protective qualities, warding off negative energies or entities when planted in the garden or used in dried arrangements.
WaterBaby Sage prefers consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Water it deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically about once a week depending on weather conditions. Use enough water to soak the root zone, which might be around 1 to 1.5 gallons for an established plant in a garden setting. During hotter, drier periods, the frequency may need to increase, and conversely, reduce the amount of water during cooler, wet months. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightBaby Sage thrives in full sun conditions, enjoying at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This salvia does best in a spot that is exposed to the morning sun and has some protection from the intense afternoon heat, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureBaby Sage is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but performs best when the temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. This plant can handle a minimum temperature of around 20°F and can survive up to about 85°F without stress. However, it may need protection from frost and extreme heat.
PruningPrune Baby Sage to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess; it can be pruned back by up to one-third in early spring. Deadheading spent flowers regularly will promote a longer blooming period. A more thorough pruning is recommended after the main bloom period in late summer or fall, but before the onset of winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Baby Sage 'Robin's Pride' should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A blend of garden soil, perlite, and compost is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingBaby Sage 'Robin's Pride' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or when it outgrows its current pot. The best time to repot is in early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingBaby Sage 'Robin's Pride' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does well in the average humidity found in most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Baby Sage 'Robin's Pride' near a sunny window.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride', commonly known as Baby Sage or Graham's Sage, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, given sufficient warmth and moisture. The seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic square stems and opposite leaves, entering a vegetative growth phase where they prioritize leaf and stem production. During late spring to summer, the plant transitions to the flowering stage, producing vibrant red to purple flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into small nutlets, which are the plant's true fruits containing seeds for the next generation. Throughout the growing season, Baby Sage may undergo periods of pruning or deadheading, which encourages bushier growth and additional blooming cycles. As temperatures cool and daylight decreases in autumn, the plant’s growth slows and it enters a period of dormancy during winter, especially in cooler climates, before the cycle begins anew with the return of warmer spring weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia microphylla 'Robin's Pride', also commonly known as Baby Sage, can be effectively propagated using semi-ripe stem cuttings during the late summer months when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy stem that has not flowered is selected and cut with a sharp, sterilized blade, taking a section approximately 3 to 5 inches (about 7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) long. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, leaving only a few at the top. This cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Providing a humid environment by covering the cutting with a plastic bag and placing it in indirect sunlight will facilitate rooting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted to its permanent location.
