Woodland Sage Salvia × sylvestris 'Rose Marvel' (PBR)
ABOUT
The 'Rose Marvel' is characterized by its striking visual appeal, primarily due to its dense spikes of large, vivid rose-pink flowers that create a showy display. This plant’s blooms are notable for their size, and they exude a pleasant aroma which is attractive to wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers stand prominently above the foliage, creating a contrasting backdrop. The foliage of the 'Rose Marvel' consists of green leaves that are typically oval-shaped, with a texture that can be described as both lush and hardy. The leaves may also present a slightly wrinkled surface with a fine, almost velvety feel. In general, the plant exhibits a bushy and robust growth habit, contributing to a full and compact look. Given the absence of descriptors tied to specific measurements, a universal aspect of the 'Rose Marvel's appearance is its adaptability to various garden spaces and pot arrangements, thanks to its manageable and aesthetically pleasing proportions. The combination of its colorful flowers, aromatic presence, and rich green foliage ultimately provides an enriching visual and sensory experience.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Rose Marvel Woodland Sage, Rose Marvel Meadow Sage
Common names
Salvia × sylvestris 'Rose Marvel' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Rose Marvel', often referred to just as Salvia, is not generally considered toxic to humans. It is a member of the mint family and many members of the Salvia genus are actually used in cooking or herbal medicine. However, individual reactions can vary, and it is always prudent to be cautious if you have a known sensitivity to plants. Ingesting any part of the plant in large quantities or for individuals with specific allergies might lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or more serious allergic reactions. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect poisoning or an allergic reaction.
To pets
Salvia 'Rose Marvel', commonly known as Salvia, does not have a reputation for being toxic to pets. It is part of the mint family and many Salvias are non-toxic for cats and dogs. However, it is still advisable to monitor pets in the garden as individual animals can have different sensitivities or reactions to plants. Eating large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. If you believe your pet is reacting adversely after consuming parts of the plant, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces large, striking pink flowers that add a splash of color to any garden.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a lengthy bloom time from late spring to early summer.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry garden areas.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Less palatable to deer and rabbits, which helps to prevent damage to the plant.
- Compact Growth Habit: Has a neat, compact form that fits well into smaller gardens or as part of a border.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed or brushed against.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for other areas or to share.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Dye: The blooms of Rose Marvel can be used to create a natural dye for fabric, providing a range of shades from soft pinks to rich purples depending on the mordant used.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers can be cut and used in fresh floral arrangements, lending a cottage garden aesthetic with their spikes of rose-pink flowers.
- Photography Subject: With its striking flowers, Rose Marvel is prized by photographers as a subject for botanical photography.
- Eco-printing: Leaves and flowers can be used in eco-printing, a process where plants are used to transfer colors and patterns onto paper or fabric.
- Garden Border Accent: Rose Marvel can be planted as a border edge in themed gardens, such as fairy or miniature gardens, due to its manageable size and showy flowers.
- Crafting: Dried flowers can be used in crafting, such as in scrapbooking, pressed flower art, or as embellishments for handmade paper.
- Culinary Garnish: While not a common use, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish for desserts and salads, adding a pop of color and a light sage flavor.
- Scented Sachets: Dried Rose Marvel flowers can be used in sachets to impart a pleasant fragrance to drawers and closets.
- Botanical Study: Its unique morphology may serve as a subject of study for botany students practicing plant identification or botanical illustration.
- Nature-Inspired Designs: The plant's form and flower can be used as inspirational material for designers in creating patterns for textiles and wallpaper.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySalvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia plants have been associated with healing due to their medicinal properties used in herbal remedies.
- Wisdom: The name 'Salvia' comes from the Latin 'salvere' meaning 'to save' or 'to heal', which imparts a sense of wisdom and knowledge.
- Longevity: Because of its durability and perennial nature, Salvia suggests a symbolism of longevity and enduring life.
- Protection: Historically, Salvia has been used in various cultures for protection against evil and to promote a safe environment.
WaterMeadow Sage 'Rose Marvel' prefers regular watering, especially during its first growing season to help establish a robust root system. After establishment, water it when the top inch of soil has dried out. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions, but a general guideline would be once every 7 to 10 days, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant to ensure deep soil moisture. During hot, dry spells, increased watering may be necessary. Avoid overwatering as Meadow Sage does not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
LightMeadow Sage 'Rose Marvel' thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate partial shade as well, but flowering will be more prolific with greater sun exposure. The best spot for this plant would be in an area that offers bright daylight without too much shade from trees or structures.
TemperatureMeadow Sage 'Rose Marvel' is hardy and adaptable, but it grows best in the temperature range of 60°F to 70°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F, but should be protected from frost to prevent damage. The maximum temperature it can endure is around 90°F before showing signs of stress. Ideally, maintain ambient temperatures within the preferred range for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Meadow Sage 'Rose Marvel' helps to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. It is advisable to deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. After the first bloom, you can cut back the plant by about one-third to rejuvenate the foliage and set buds for a second bloom period. The best time for significant pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWoodland Sage 'Rose Marvel' prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth. An ideal soil mix would consist of two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost, and one part coarse sand to improve drainage.
RepottingWoodland Sage 'Rose Marvel' should be repotted every 1-2 years to prevent root-bound conditions and replenish nutrients. Repot in spring or early summer before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Sage 'Rose Marvel' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity. It does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × sylvestris 'Rose Marvel' (PBR), commonly known as Rose Marvel Meadow Sage, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in favorable conditions—usually in spring with warm soil temperatures and ample moisture. After germination, the seedlings establish themselves quickly, producing a rosette of leaves that initiate the vegetative growth stage, focusing on building root systems and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, wherein it produces abundant rose-pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules if conditions favor sexual reproduction, or the plant may expand clonally through rhizomes. After flowering, Rose Marvel Meadow Sage enters a period of senescence in late summer to autumn, where growth slows and the above-ground part of the plant starts to die back, especially in regions with cold winters. With the onset of spring, the plant regrows from the rootstock or from the self-sown seeds, completing the cycle and starting a new growth phase.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Salvia × sylvestris 'Rose Marvel', commonly known as Rose Marvel Sage, is often propagated through cuttings, which is one of the most popular methods for this plant variety. The best time for taking cuttings is in late spring to early summer, when new growth is vigorous and healthy. To propagate from cuttings, one should select a non-flowering shoot and cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) section just below a node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cutting may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development, although this is optional. The prepared cutting should be placed in a moist, well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, bright location without direct sunlight until roots have established, which generally takes a few weeks. Maintaining a high humidity around the cutting can be beneficial, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or using a propagator.
