Woodland Sage Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst'
ABOUT
The Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst', commonly known as the Woodland Sage or Amethyst Meadow Sage, is a striking perennial herbaceous plant with a robust and bushy appearance. It is primarily known for its vibrant display of purple to amethyst-colored flowers. The flowers are densely packed in spiky inflorescences, creating an eye-catching display against the green foliage. The leaves of the Woodland Sage are aromatic when crushed. They exhibit a grey-green color and have a textured, slightly wrinkled appearance with a lance-shaped to oblong structure. The foliage provides a striking contrast to the vivid flowers and makes the plant attractive even when it's not in bloom. The blooming period of this sage typically occurs during the late spring to summer months, drawing a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. The colorful flowers are tubular and neatly arranged in whorls around the flower spikes, offering a prolonged period of visual interest. Both rugged and attractive, the Woodland Sage 'Amethyst' enjoys sunny spots in gardens where its colors can be fully appreciated. Even outside its flowering period, the plant remains an appealing feature due to its textured foliage. It should be noted that although this description excludes the dimensions of the plant, these dimensions are vital when considering its use in garden design and space planning.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary, Amethyst Meadow Sage
Common names
Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst'.
ToxicityTo humans
Woodland sage, in general, is not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur. Ingesting significant quantities may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, so it's always best to err on the side of caution and not consume parts of ornamental plants unless they are known to be edible.
To pets
Woodland sage is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, including dogs and cats. This means that it typically does not cause serious harm if pets nibble on it. However, pet owners should always monitor their animals for any signs of distress after ingesting any plant material, as individual reactions can vary, and even non-toxic plants can sometimes cause mild stomach upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, encouraging a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Generally undemanding and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Long Blooming Period: With the right care, it can bloom from late spring to early fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Naturally resistant to grazing by deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens with wildlife.
- Colorful Foliage: Foliage often takes on attractive hues in fall, adding another layer of seasonal interest.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, reducing the need for replanting.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for use in borders, flowerbeds, rock gardens, and as an informal groundcover.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst', like many other salvia species, is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant: This plant may possess antioxidant components that help in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Antimicrobial: The plant is possibly used for its antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria and fungi.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst', commonly known as Meadow Sage, can be used to create natural dyes for textiles due to its rich pigment concentration.
- Meadow Sage is sometimes planted in eco-friendly parking lot designs as its deep roots are useful in stabilizing soils and reducing runoff.
- It's used in landscape design to create 'living walls' or vertical gardens, which can provide insulation for buildings.
- Meadow Sage can be dried and used in potpourri mixes to provide a pleasant scent in homes and drawers.
- It serves as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, potentially helping to deter some pests with its aromatic leaves.
- The flowers of Meadow Sage can be pressed and used in craft projects, such as creating natural bookmarks or adding to handmade papers.
- These plants can be included in rain gardens, which are designed to absorb rainwater and reduce the need for irrigation.
- Meadow Sage can be used as a natural mulch as its leaves and stems, when decomposed, contribute to soil health.
- The dried stems of Meadow Sage can be used in basketry or as a part of decorative dried flower arrangements.
- This plant is sometimes included in sensory gardens for the visually impaired due to its textured leaves and aromatic properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Meadow Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Meadow Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Salvia nemorosa, commonly known as meadow sage, is part of the Salvia genus, which is derived from the Latin word "salvere" meaning "to save" or "to heal", reflecting the plant's historic use in medicinal remedies.
- Wisdom - The name Salvia is echoed in the word 'sage', which also signifies wisdom, possibly referring to the plant's association with longevity and good health.
- Protection - Many cultures believe that sage plants offer protection, possibly due to their herbaceous and aromatic qualities that traditionally were believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Immortality - The evergreen nature of some sage plants has associated them symbolically with immortality.
WaterWoodland sage should be watered thoroughly once every week during its active growing season in spring and summer, ensuring that the soil is moist but not water-logged. It can tolerate dry spells once established, but consistent watering encourages more prolific flowering. During the peak of summer, especially in hot climates, additional water may be required and you may need to water twice a week. Generally, apply approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering for an established plant, depending on the size and environmental conditions. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and water sparingly during winter when the plant is dormant.
LightWoodland sage thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In particularly hot climates, providing afternoon shade can help prevent scorching. The plant will produce the most abundant blooms with ample sunlight, so avoid overly shaded areas for best flowering results.
TemperatureWoodland sage does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers daytime temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy in the winter and can survive occasional spikes above 80 degrees in summer. However, extreme temperatures either way can stress the plant, so provide protection if unusual weather patterns are expected.
PruningWoodland sage should be pruned to encourage bushiness and to remove spent flower stalks, which can stimulate a second bloom. Prune back the plant by about one-third in the early spring to promote healthy new growth and improve air circulation. Deadheading, or removing old blooms during the growing season, will also promote more flowers. The best time for major pruning is in spring, after the last frost but before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Woodland Sage 'Amethyst' thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Ensure organic matter is mixed in to provide nutrients.
RepottingWoodland Sage 'Amethyst' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Sage 'Amethyst' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions to grow successfully.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, low water, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, moderate watering.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia nemorosa 'Amethyst', commonly known as Woodland Sage, starts its life as a seed, which upon finding favorable conditions, germinates and sprouts to form a seedling. The seedling grows and develops a root system and foliage, becoming an established young plant. As it matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing a robust clump of herbaceous growth and gray-green leaves. Upon entering the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces tall spikes of vivid purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, flowers develop into seed capsules and, once mature, release seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, with the above-ground growth dying back, and re-sprouts from its perennial root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst', also commonly known as Woodland Sage, is by division, which is ideally done in the spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Woodland Sage after the danger of frost has passed and the plant has begun to show new growth. Then, using a sharp spade or knife, divide the plant into sections, ensuring that each section has a good root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to establish them, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage root development.
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