Woodland Sage Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca'
ABOUT
Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca', commonly known as woodland sage, is a perennial plant that showcases a striking appearance. The plant produces an abundance of spiky inflorescences that carry dense whorls of tubular flowers. These flowers are often a deep violet-blue color, creating a rich contrast with the surrounding greenery. The foliage consists of aromatic leaves that are lance-shaped, textured with fine hairs, and have a grayish-green hue, contributing to the plant's overall lush appearance. Woodland sage blooms profusely in early to mid-summer, providing a long-lasting display of color in gardens and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant's structure is upright with a clump-forming habit, and it exudes a pleasant fragrance when the leaves are brushed or crushed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary
Common names
Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca', more commonly known as the Woodland Sage, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, sensitivity can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have skin contact with the plant or ingest it in significant quantities. It is always advisable to exercise caution and not consume any part of ornamental plants not explicitly grown for consumption, but there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from Woodland Sage in humans.
To pets
The Woodland Sage is not typically known to be toxic to pets. Nonetheless, individual animals can react differently to various plants, and some might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of the plant. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that the Woodland Sage has caused serious poisoning in pets, but as a precaution, it is wise to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not part of their usual diet.
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
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca', commonly known as woodland sage, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant has good drought resistance, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or dry garden conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Woodland sage requires minimal care beyond the occasional pruning, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking purple flower spikes, it adds a splash of color to any garden, which can be visually pleasing throughout its blooming season.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it returns year after year, reducing the need for replanting and providing a long-term presence in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: The woodland sage is not favored by deer, which makes it a good choice for areas where deer browsing is a concern.
- Good for Cutting: The flowers of woodland sage are suitable for cutting and can add a lovely touch to floral arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Its long blooming season, from late spring to early fall, ensures continuous color and interest in the garden for several months.
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 'Lubecca', commonly known as woodland sage, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of purple and blue hues derived from its flowers.
- When dried, the blossoms of woodland sage can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a pleasant fragrance and a touch of color to the mix.
- The leaves of woodland sage can be used to create flavored vinegar, which can add a unique taste to salads and marinades.
- Gardeners might plant woodland sage alongside vegetables to attract pollinators such as bees to enhance pollination rates of vegetable crops.
- Woodland sage can be crushed and used as a natural insect repellent in the garden due to the natural oils contained within its leaves.
- The striking flowers of woodland sage can be used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, providing a lasting aesthetic appeal.
- As a companion plant, woodland sage can help to deter deer and rabbits from more sensitive plants in the garden due to its strong scent.
- When included in a compost pile, the leaves of woodland sage can add beneficial nutrients as they break down, enriching the compost.
- Woodland sage can be used as a teaching tool in schools to illustrate plant biology, lifecycles, and the importance of pollinators in ecosystems.
- Its denser growth habit makes woodland sage suitable as a low, natural border or hedge in landscape design without the need for frequent trimming.
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 plants are often associated with healing properties, both physical and spiritual, due to their historical use in medicine and traditional remedies.
- Wisdom: The name 'Salvia' comes from the Latin 'salvere' meaning 'to save' or 'to heal,' and over time, it has become a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, as healing was deeply connected with knowing the properties of plants.
- Protection: Many cultures believe that sage, which is a common name for plants in the Salvia genus, offers protection against evil and is used in cleansing rituals to purify spaces.
- Longevity: Given its use in medicinal preparations that aim to promote health and well-being, Salvia is also symbolic of a long life.
- Spirituality: Because of its use in ritualistic practices and its believed connection to the divine, Salvia is also associated with spiritual practices and the pursuit of enlightenment.
WaterThe Woodland Sage should be watered once a week with about 1 gallon of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's vital to avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent possible fungal diseases. During hot or dry conditions, check the soil more frequently and water accordingly. Reducing watering in the late fall to early spring during dormancy will help the plant to thrive.
LightWoodland Sage thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers to be planted in a spot where it can soak up at least six hours of sunlight daily, though it can tolerate light afternoon shade. The ideal location is one that gets bright, direct light in the morning and some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
TemperatureWoodland Sage is hardy in a range of temperatures, tolerating minimums down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximums well into the 90s. Ideally, it thrives in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure to protect it from extreme cold by providing mulch or cover in the winter in colder zones.
PruningWoodland Sage should be pruned to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season can encourage new blooms. After the first killing frost, prune plants back to about 4 inches to help prepare the plant for winter and promote a healthier start in the spring. The best time for a more substantial pruning is in early spring, just as new growth appears.
CleaningNot needed
SoilWoodland Sage ('Lubecca') thrives best in well-draining soil, with a mix comprising loamy or sandy composition, enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is moderately acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 to 7.0. A good recipe for the soil mix is one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage.
RepottingWoodland Sage ('Lubecca') typically does not require frequent repotting and can be done every few years as the plant outgrows its current pot or the soil becomes depleted. Optimally, repotting can be done in the spring every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Sage ('Lubecca') tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to low humidity, similar to the conditions of its native habitat. It is generally more important to provide good air circulation around the plant to prevent issues with excess moisture and fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Woodland Sage ('Lubecca') near a sunny window and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant Woodland Sage ('Lubecca') in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia nemorosa 'Lubecca', commonly known as Woodland Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in early spring, preferring well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. The seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with characteristic square stems and opposite leaves, entering a vegetative growth phase. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing tall spikes of violet-blue flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, which is often facilitated by these visiting insects, the flowers develop into small nutlets which are the plant's fruit, containing the seeds for the next generation. The plant may continue to bloom intermittently until the first frost if spent flowers are regularly deadheaded. In winter or during a dormant phase in colder climates, the above-ground portions of the Woodland Sage die back, while the root system remains alive underground, ready to regenerate the plant in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca', commonly known as the Woodland Sage, is best propagated through division or taking stem cuttings. The most popular method of propagation for Woodland Sage is by stem cuttings, ideally done in spring or early summer. To start, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to speed up root development. Then, plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of half peat and half perlite or sand, making sure the leaf nodes where you removed the leaves are buried. Keep the cutting moist and in indirect light until it takes root, which typically happens within a few weeks. Once roots have established, the new Woodland Sage can be transplanted into the garden.
