East Friesland Sage Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland'
ABOUT
Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland', commonly known as East Friesland sage, is a perennial plant that is well-loved for its striking appearance. It boasts robust and lush green foliage characterized by lance-shaped leaves that create a dense and textured backdrop for the flowers. The leaves radiate a pleasant, aromatic fragrance when brushed against or crushed. Atop the foliage, East Friesland sage displays a profusion of intense, violet-blue flowers. These blossoms are tightly packed into slender, vertical spires that rise elegantly above the greenery. The individual flowers are small and tubular, and they are arranged in whorls along the length of the flower spikes. These spires of flowers tend to bloom profusely in late spring to early summer and can continue to provide color and interest through the growing season if the faded blooms are removed. The overall effect of East Friesland sage in the landscape is one of rich color and vertical interest. The vivid blue of its flowers contrasts beautifully with the green of the foliage, making it a popular choice for creating focal points in garden borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly spaces. This plant also tends to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding a dynamic element of wildlife interaction to its ornamental appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
East Friesland Sage, Balkan Clary, East Friesland Salvia
Common names
Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland'.
ToxicityTo humans
Meadow Sage, the common name for Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is limited information on its toxicity; however, it is not commonly associated with poisoning or severe adverse reactions upon ingestion. While it's always prudent not to consume plants not specifically grown for food, Meadow Sage isn't known to cause significant harm if touched or ingested in small quantities.
To pets
Meadow Sage is similarly not considered toxic to pets. This common garden plant doesn't pose a significant risk of poisoning to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. As with humans, while not intended for consumption, incidental ingestion typically doesn't result in serious health problems. However, it's a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid the possibility of gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
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: The flowers of Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland', commonly known as East Friesland sage, are nectar-rich, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly tolerant of drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Deer Resistance: The plant has a natural resistance to deer, which means it's less likely to be eaten by these garden visitors.
- Long Blooming Period: East Friesland sage offers a long blooming period from late spring to early fall, providing prolonged visual interest in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, apart from occasional watering and deadheading.
- Improves Garden Structure: The upright growing habit and vertical inflorescences of East Friesland sage can add structure and form to garden beds or borders.
- Herbaceous Perennial: Being a perennial, it returns each year, reducing the need for yearly replanting and providing a reliable feature in the garden.
- Aromatic Foliage: The foliage is aromatic, which can add a sensory aspect to the garden experience when touched or brushed against.
- Cut Flower: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, adding both color and fragrance to indoor arrangements.
Medical Properties- Antibacterial: Salvia nemorosa has been traditionally used for its potential antibacterial properties, especially against skin infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may contain compounds that help reduce inflammation, and it has been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions like arthritis.
- Antioxidant: Components of Salvia nemorosa may have antioxidant effects, which could help in preventing damage caused by free radicals.
- Antispasmodic: It may provide relief from muscle spasms or cramps, as it has been used traditionally to alleviate spasmodic conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves and flowers of East Friesland sage can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering shades of green or blue depending on the mordant used.
- In potpourri: Dried leaves and flowers of East Friesland sage can be included in potpourri mixes for their pleasant fragrance and ability to retain color.
- As a decorative garnish: Fresh or dried East Friesland sage can be used to embellish plates and add a touch of purple to culinary presentations.
- In floral arrangements: The spike-like inflorescences and rich purple hues of East Friesland sage make them a striking addition to both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- As an ink ingredient: Historically, the pigments from sage plants like East Friesland sage have been used to create natural inks for writing and drawing.
- As a companion plant: East Friesland sage can be planted alongside vegetables to attract beneficial insects and repel pests, due to its aromatic nature.
- For crafting: Dried stems and flowers of East Friesland sage can be used in various crafts, including wreath making and dried-flower art projects.
- In photography: The vibrant appearance and stark flower spikes make East Friesland sage a popular subject for botanical photography.
- In relaxation rituals: A few leaves placed in a hot bath can impart a calming fragrance, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere for unwinding.
- For educational purposes: East Friesland sage can be utilized in botanical studies and gardening workshops to demonstrate pruning techniques and flower anatomy.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, commonly known as "Sage," is often associated with healing properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for its purported ability to soothe, heal, and protect.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia comes from the Latin "salvere" meaning "to save" or "to heal." Historically, the plant has been symbolic of wisdom and immortality.
- Cleansing: Sage is frequently used in cleansing rituals and is believed to help clear negative energy and purify the space.
- Longevity: Because of its medicinal uses and its association with immortality, sage symbolizes a long life and good health.
- Spirituality: Various cultures have used sage in spiritual practices for its ability to connect the physical and spiritual realms, making it symbolic of spiritual growth.
- Protection: With its historical use in dispelling negativity, sage is also seen as a protective plant, guarding against harm and providing a shield against evil forces.
WaterWater the East Friesland Sage deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During hotter, dryer periods, increase watering to twice per week. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. The amount of water can be adjusted based on rainfall; in areas with consistent rain, additional watering may not be necessary. On average, you may end up using about 0.5 gallons per plant per week, adjusting as the weather dictates.
LightThe East Friesland Sage thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Position the plant in a spot that is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day to ensure good growth and bloom production. Avoid overly shaded areas, as this can result in a leggy plant with fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for East Friesland Sage is between 60°F and 70°F, which encourages healthy growth and flowering. The plant is cold hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to 20°F but may die back to the ground in such conditions. During the growing season, ensure it is not exposed to temperatures above 85°F for prolonged periods to prevent heat stress.
PruningPrune the East Friesland Sage in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems from the previous year and to encourage new growth. Additionally, deadheading the spent blooms throughout the growing season can promote a second flush of flowers. The best time for heavy pruning is after the first killing frost, when you can cut the plant back to just a few inches above the ground to prepare for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for East Friesland Sage should be well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
RepottingEast Friesland Sage, being a perennial, does not require frequent repotting. Repot only if the plant outgrows its container, which is typically every few years.
Humidity & MistingEast Friesland Sage tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average garden conditions without the need for specific humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, well-draining soil, at room temperature.
Outdoor
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and water when dry.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland', commonly known as the East Friesland sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in well-draining soil and given proper warmth, will germinate typically within a few weeks. Upon sprouting, it enters the seedling stage, growing true leaves and establishing a small root system. As it matures into the vegetative stage, it develops a robust foliage of lance-shaped, textured leaves and sturdy stems. The transition to the flowering stage occurs in late spring to early summer, when spikes of vibrant, violet-purple flowers bloom, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers will fade and the plant produces seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the East Friesland sage enters a period of dormancy in late fall to winter, where it rests and survives the colder months, ready to resume growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring-summer
Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland', commonly known as East Friesland sage, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time to divide East Friesland sage is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in bloom. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig around the plant to lift the root ball out of the ground. The root ball can then be gently pulled apart into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good amount of roots and several shoots attached. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 18 inches (about 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation. It is essential to water the newly planted divisions regularly to help establish the plants in their new locations.
