Baby Sage Salvia microphylla 'Trelawney'
ABOUT
The Salvia microphylla 'Trelawney', known more commonly as the Baby Sage or Littleleaf Sage, is a vibrant and ornamental plant that boasts a number of attractive features. One of its most striking characteristics is the plentiful, tubular flowers that come in a beautiful shade of pink, attracting both the eyes of passersby as well as various pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. These flowers are clustered in whorls that ascend the square stems, creating a cascade of color during the blooming season. The leaves of the Baby Sage are equally appealing, with a small, somewhat oval shape that has a slightly wrinkled texture. The foliage is bright green, providing a lush background that contrasts strikingly with the pink blooms. When lightly brushed or crushed, the leaves emit a pleasant fragrance, often reminiscent of mint or citrus, adding an aromatic dimension to the plant's appeal. The structure of this Baby Sage is bushy, with a tendency to spread, offering a generous coverage that brims with color and life. Its overall form is somewhat rounded, giving it a neat and composed appearance that is well-suited to borders, garden beds, and as an accent plant in landscaped areas. Although compact in nature, it presents a full-bodied visual impact that can effectively fill garden spaces with charm and vibrancy. The combination of its delightful flowers, fragrant leaves, and dense form makes the Salvia microphylla 'Trelawney' a favored choice among gardeners looking to add long-lasting color and texture to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Baby Sage, Graham's Sage, Blackcurrant Sage, Hot Lips Sage.
Common names
Salvia microphylla 'Trelawney'.
ToxicityTo humans
Baby sage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it is always advised to not ingest ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or unexpected reactions. Ingesting large quantities of any plant not typically used for consumption can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other issues, but baby sage does not contain significant toxins that would lead to serious poisoning in humans.
To pets
Baby sage is also generally considered non-toxic to pets including cats and dogs. As with humans, it is good practice to prevent pets from consuming ornamental plants as they can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the novelty of the plant material in their diet, rather than due to specific toxic compounds.
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: Salvia microphylla 'Trelawney', commonly known as Baby Sage, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Baby Sage is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being hardy and easy to care for, with minimal requirements for fertilization and pest management.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant and colorful flowers, Baby Sage adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The foliage and flowers emit a pleasant aroma, enhancing the sensory experience in a garden setting.
- Long Blooming Season: Baby Sage has a lengthy blooming period, providing flowers from late spring to early frost for continuous beauty.
- Edible Uses: The leaves are edible and can be used for culinary purposes, such as in teas or as a flavoring for various dishes.
- Low Maintenance: This plant typically requires little pruning and is relatively disease-free, reducing the need for regular upkeep.
- Versatile Landscaping Options: Baby Sage can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, rock gardens, and as mass plantings.
- Deer Resistant: Baby Sage is not a preferred choice for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals in gardens where deer are common.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves and flowers of the Salvia microphylla 'Trelawney', also known as Baby Sage, can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding various shades depending on the mordant used.
- Insect repellent: Baby Sage can be planted in gardens or around outdoor living areas to help repel certain insects due to its aromatic properties.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in botany lessons to teach students about pollination, as it is a popular choice among pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
- Gastronomy experiment: The flowers of Baby Sage can add color and a light sage flavor to culinary dishes and can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts.
- Craft material: Dried stems and flowers of Baby Sage can be incorporated into potpourris, wreaths, and other dried floral arrangements due to their pleasant scent and aesthetic appeal.
- Photography subject: Baby Sage, with its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, is often used as a photogenic subject for botanical photography and art.
- Homemade soap: The fragrance of Baby Sage can be infused into homemade soaps for a natural herbal scent and potential skin benefits.
- Erosion control: With its dense growth habit, Baby Sage can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Companion planting: Baby Sage can be paired with other plants in the garden that require similar growing conditions, potentially improving biodiversity and garden health.
- Aromatherapy: The scented leaves can be used in sachets or as part of homemade aromatherapy products to provide a soothing herbal fragrance in homes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Salvia microphylla is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Salvia microphylla is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, commonly known as sage, is often associated with healing properties, both physically and spiritually, as the genus name Salvia is derived from the Latin word salvere, meaning "to save."
- Protection: Sage has been used in various cultures for cleansing and protecting against negative influences or spirits.
- Wisdom: Throughout history, sage has symbolized wisdom and was believed to bestow wisdom onto those who consumed it.
- Longevity: Regarded as a plant that promotes long life, sage is frequently linked to longevity and immortality.
- Purification: In many traditions, sage is burned in smudging rituals to purify and sanctify people and places.
WaterBaby Sage needs regular watering to establish a strong root system, which means about once a week. However, once established, it's quite drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the first inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a watering can or hose to apply water directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the foliage, as this can encourage fungal diseases. Depending on the climate, an established Baby Sage may need watering every two to three weeks, with each watering providing about 1-2 gallons of water, depending on the size and maturity of the plant.
LightBaby Sage thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. If you're planting it outdoors, choose a location where it will get plenty of sunshine throughout the day. However, the plant can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
TemperatureBaby Sage is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but grows best in conditions between 50°F and 80°F. While it can survive minimum temperatures down to around 15°F, frost can damage the foliage and flowers. For optimal growth, ensure the plant is located where the temperature remains within its preferred range and is protected from extreme cold.
PruningPruning Baby Sage is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Done typically in early spring before new growth begins, and again after the first flush of flowers fade, pruning helps to maintain the plant's shape and vitality. Cut back about a third of the plant's height, removing any dead or damaged stems. Late fall or early winter is also a good time to do a light pruning to tidy up the plant and prepare it for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBaby Sage thrives best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH range of approximately 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix for Baby Sage would be a combination of garden soil, compost, and gritty materials such as perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and root aeration.
RepottingBaby Sage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to allow for continued growth.
Humidity & MistingBaby Sage prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate low humidity conditions common in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Baby Sage in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant Baby Sage in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia microphylla 'Trelawney', commonly known as Baby Sage, begins its life as a seed which germinates in moist, well-draining soil with adequate warmth and light. Upon germination, the seedling emerges with its first pair of true leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it focuses on root and foliage growth. As the plant matures, it develops a woody base and multiple branches, leading to the formation of characteristic aromatic leaves and the initiation of the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, which typically occurs in late spring to early fall, Baby Sage produces numerous small, tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, brown nutlets containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Once mature, the plant may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, reducing growth until conditions become favorable again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Salvia microphylla 'Trelawney', commonly known as Baby Sage, is often propagated by stem cuttings, preferably taken in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate using stem cuttings, one must select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece approximately 4 to 6 inches long, making the cut just below a node. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. This cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring that one or two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. This provides a site where roots can develop. The cutting should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and in a warm environment with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new Baby Sage can be transferred to a larger pot or into the garden.
