Caradonna sage Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'
ABOUT
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is an ornamental plant well-loved for its striking appearance. It features a clump of aromatic, lance-shaped, grey-green leaves that serve as a lush backdrop to the captivating upright flower spikes. The flowers themselves are rich, violet-purple in color and densely packed on each stem in whorls. They bloom in profusion from late spring to early summer and can rebloom in the fall if the spent blooms are cut back. The standout characteristic of the 'Caradonna' variety is its dark purple, almost black, flowering stems that contrast beautifully with the vibrant flowers. This hardy perennial presents a bold and elegant display that adds vertical interest to any garden while attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, providing a long-lasting addition to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Balkan Clary, Woodland Sage, Perennial Sage, Caradonna Sage
Common names
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Caradonna sage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Accidental ingestion of small amounts typically does not cause harm, but consuming large quantities may potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or stomach upset, due to the plant's natural compounds. However, it is not commonly associated with severe toxicity or poisoning in humans.
To pets
Caradonna sage is also considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It does not typically cause poisoning or serious health problems if pets chew on or ingest small amounts of the plant. However, as with humans, if a pet consumes a large amount of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is popular for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is very tolerant of dry conditions, making it ideal for water-wise gardens.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally not preferred by deer, making it a good choice in areas where deer are a problem.
- Long Blooming: 'Caradonna' produces flowers for an extended period, often from late spring to early fall, offering long-lasting color in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and deadheading to promote further blooming.
- Hardy Perennial: This plant is quite hardy and can survive cold winters, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Color Contrast: Its deep purple-blue flowers and striking dark stems provide excellent color contrast to a garden scheme.
- Easy to Divide: 'Caradonna' can be easily divided to propagate new plants and expand garden displays.
- Versatile: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, cottage gardens, and butterfly gardens.
- Herbaceous Border: It's ideal for creating a structured herbaceous border with its upright growth habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', commonly known as the Caradonna sage, can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing hues of green or blue depending on the mordant used.
- The intense color of its flowers makes Caradonna sage a great option for crafting botanical inks for use in art projects or natural dyeing techniques.
- Dried Caradonna sage blossoms can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a pleasant aroma and decorative element to the blend.
- Due to their aromatic nature, the leaves and flowers can be used in scented sachets, offering a natural way to freshen up drawers and closets.
- Caradonna sage can serve as a border plant for vegetable gardens, possibly helping to deter certain pests with its scent.
- When included in a bouquet, the striking spires of Caradonna sage add vertical interest and a touch of wild elegance to floral arrangements.
- Its nectar-rich flowers make it a great choice for creating a bee-friendly garden, providing valuable resources for pollinators.
- Caradonna sage can be used for educational purposes, such as studying plant structure or the life cycle of perennial herbs in biology classes.
- The plant's stems can be used as natural markers or stakes for small plants in the garden, blending in aesthetically as support structures.
- Caradonna sage clippings can be placed in compost piles, where they contribute biomass that will eventually turn into nutrient-rich compost for garden use.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, commonly known as sage, has a long history of medicinal use for its healing properties, symbolizing health and well-being.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia derives from the Latin word 'salvere' meaning 'to save' or 'to heal,' often associated with wisdom and knowledge due to its historic use by herbalists and healers.
- Protection: In various cultures, sage is burnt as a purifying herb to ward off evil spirits, thus symbolizing protection and safety.
- Longevity: Sage is also associated with immortality and longevity, reflecting its use in preserving food and maintaining health.
- Purification: The act of using sage in cleansing rituals symbolizes purification of the mind, body, and soul.
WaterThe perennial sage, or Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', should be watered deeply once a week, with adjustments made for rainfall and temperature conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, watering frequency should increase to every few days. Each watering session should provide the plant with about 1-2 gallons of water, ensuring that the root zone is moistened but not waterlogged. Overwintering regions may require less frequent watering depending on local climate and soil conditions. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering as a guide to prevent overwatering.
LightPerennial sage thrives in full sunlight, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun exposure each day. The ideal spot for Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' would be an area that receives unfiltered sun for most of the day, although it can endure partial shade. However, less light may result in fewer blooms and a leggier growth habit.
TemperaturePerennial sage prefers a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F for optimal growth, but it is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F once established. It is capable of surviving in temperatures up to around 85°F, though prolonged heat can stress the plant if proper care is not maintained. Avoiding extreme fluctuations is essential for the health of the Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'.
PruningPerennial sage should be pruned to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or the removal of old blooms, should be done consistently throughout the blooming period. After the first killing frost, cut back the plant to a few inches above the ground to tidy up and prepare for winter. The best time for a thorough pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', commonly known as Woodland Sage, a well-draining soil mix is best, combining loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to facilitate drainage. The soil pH should be between slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0, to optimize growth and flowering.
RepottingWoodland Sage does not typically require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repot the plant every 2 to 3 years or when you observe that the roots have outgrown the container.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Sage prefers average to low humidity levels. It is well-adapted to outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown in its natural environment outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water when dry.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', commonly known as Caradonna Sage, begins its life as a seed which, when sown, germinates in warm, moist soil within 2 to 3 weeks. The seedlings emerge, develop true leaves, and grow into small plants, which can then be transplanted into the garden where they continue to mature. The plant reaches full vegetative growth and produces tall, upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. As a perennial, Caradonna Sage enters a flowering stage in late spring to early summer, displaying spikes of vibrant purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After blooming, the plant sets seeds, some of which may drop to the ground and self-sow, repeating the cycle. In winter, Caradonna Sage dies back to the ground before regrowing from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', commonly known as Woodland Sage, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide these plants is in early spring or early fall, avoiding times of extreme heat which can stress the plants. To propagate by division, carefully dig up a mature plant and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has a good amount of roots and at least a few shoots. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to quickly expand their garden with new Woodland Sage plants, while also rejuvenating older, clump-forming specimens that may have become woody or less vigorous over time.
