Baby Sage Salvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red'
ABOUT
Salvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red', commonly known as baby sage, is a vibrant and attractive plant known for its rich, red flowers. The flowers of the Rodbaston Red variety are particularly eye-catching, presenting a vivid red hue that can add a splash of intense color to any garden space. These blossoms are tubular and typically grouped in whorls, arranged in upright inflorescences that provide a prolonged display of color throughout its blooming season. The foliage of the baby sage is equally charming, composed of small, ovate leaves that have a somewhat crinkled appearance. The leaves are a fresh green color and release a pleasant fragrance when crushed, which is characteristic of many members in its family. Baby sage as a whole is a bushy and robust-looking plant, which, in combination with its bright red flowers and aromatic foliage, provides both visual and sensory appeal. Moreover, the plant's overall structure is composed of numerous branching stems that contribute to its fullness, with a natural tendency to form rounded mounds. The foliage and the red flowers together create a lush and striking display, making the Rodbaston Red baby sage a popular choice for gardeners looking to introduce a touch of exuberance to their landscape without overwhelming considerations of size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Baby Sage, Graham's Sage, Blackcurrant Sage, Little Leaf Sage.
Common names
Salvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Baby Sage (Salvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. No common toxicity symptoms are associated with the ingestion of this plant. However, it is advisable to handle all plants with care, as individual reactions can vary, and consuming any plant material in large quantities could potentially lead to an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal discomforts.
To pets
Baby Sage (Salvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red') is also typically considered non-toxic to pets. There are usually no harmful effects associated with animals ingesting this plant. Nonetheless, it is always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants, as they may have individual sensitivities, and ingesting plants that are not part of a pet's normal diet can cause stomach upset or other digestive issues.
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
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Salvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red', commonly known as Baby Sage, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, serving as a valuable resource for these beneficial pollinators.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Baby Sage has a high tolerance for drought, making it an excellent choice for water-efficient landscaping.
- Low maintenance: This plant typically has minimal needs regarding fertilizing, pruning, and care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long blooming season: Baby Sage produces vibrant red flowers over a long period, often from spring through frost, providing extended color in the garden.
- Aromatic foliage: The leaves of the Baby Sage emit a pleasant fragrance when brushed or touched, adding an aromatic dimension to the garden or landscape.
- Deer resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Versatile landscaping: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including perennial borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
- Fast-growing: Baby Sage grows relatively quickly, filling in garden spaces and providing a mature look sooner than many other plants.
- Edible uses: Although excluded from mentioning medical properties, it's worth noting that some parts of the plant can be used for culinary purposes.
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 'Rodbaston Red', commonly known as baby sage, can be used as a natural dye due to its pigmented leaves and flowers, providing shades from green to a reddish hue suitable for fabrics or crafts.
- In the garden, baby sage's dense growth provides excellent ground cover, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weed growth.
- Baby sage can be included in potpourri blends for a refreshing scent, combining its fragrant leaves with other herbs and flowers to create an aromatic mixture.
- Its vibrant red flowers make baby sage a striking choice for dried floral arrangements, maintaining color and form for an extended period.
- As an attracting plant in companion gardening, baby sage helps bring pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to the garden, benefiting the pollination of nearby plants.
- The plant's stems can be woven into natural fences or trellises, providing a living support structure for climbing plants that merges function with aesthetics.
- When planted in outdoor seating areas, baby sage's aromatic foliage can help deter certain unwanted insects naturally.
- It can serve as a teaching tool in educational gardens, showcasing the relationship between flowers and pollinators to students or novice gardeners.
- On a culinary note, the edible flowers of baby sage can be used as a colorful garnish for salads or desserts, adding a touch of elegance.
- During the holiday season, baby sage's red flowers and green foliage offer a natural solution for creating festive wreaths and other decorative items.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant commonly known as Baby Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBaby Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - As a member of the sage family, Salvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red', commonly known as "Baby Sage," is often associated with healing properties in both physical and spiritual realms.
- Wisdom - Sage plants have been symbolically linked to wisdom and knowledge, as their Latin name "Salvia" is derived from the word to heal or to save, which can also connote saving wisdom.
- Longevity - The hardiness and resilience of Baby Sage can represent longevity and the pursuit of a long, healthy life.
- Protection - Sage has been used in various cultures for cleansing and protecting spaces from negative influences, so Baby Sage may carry this symbolic meaning as well.
WaterBaby Sage should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. During the summer months, this may translate to watering deeply once or twice a week, depending on your local climate and soil drainage. It's best to water the plant early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease. Always check the soil moisture by feeling the top inch of soil; if it's dry, it's time to water again.
LightBaby Sage thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. While it can tolerate a bit of shade, especially in the afternoon during the hottest parts of summer, too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
TemperatureBaby Sage prefers a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F for optimal growth but can tolerate a wider range, surviving minimum temperatures down to about 15°F and maximum temperatures well into the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from frost, which can damage the foliage and flowers, and to provide some relief from extreme heat in very hot climates.
PruningPruning Baby Sage promotes bushier growth, encourages more blooms, and helps maintain plant health by removing dead or diseased branches. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the plant by about one-third to one-half. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can encourage further blooming. Pruning should be done annually or as needed to shape the plant and remove any unwanted growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBaby Sage prefers well-draining soil with loam or sand, enriched with organic matter. A soil pH of 6.5 to 7 is ideal for its growth. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or well-rotted compost, and one part coarse sand or perlite. This ensures good drainage and fertility.
RepottingBaby Sage should be repotted once it outgrows its current container, typically every 2 to 3 years. It's important not to repot too frequently as this can disturb the roots and slow growth. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil mix to encourage health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingBaby Sage thrives in average household humidity levels; however, it can tolerate lower humidity without adverse effects. It is relatively drought-tolerant and doesn't require high humidity to prosper but avoid placing it in overly arid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Baby Sage in a sunny window, water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant Baby Sage in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red', also known as Baby Sage or Red Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil conditions. Once the seedling emerges, it develops a primary root system and foliage in the form of small, aromatic leaves. As it matures into a young plant, it establishes a more robust root system and begins to produce woody stems and more leaves, preparing for the flowering stage. During its flowering stage, the plant produces vibrant red tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, which are essential for its sexual reproduction and the production of seeds. Pollinated flowers will eventually produce seeds, which can be dispersed to start new plants, continuing the cycle. Throughout its life, the Red Sage will experience periods of active growth in the spring and summer, followed by senescence in the fall and winter, with some varieties being perennial that can survive for several years under the right conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Salvia microphylla 'Rodbaston Red', commonly known as baby sage, is often propagated through stem cuttings, which tend to be the most popular method due to their high success rate and simplicity. The best time for taking cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant is in active growth. To propagate baby sage by cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch piece just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have established, which usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.
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