Buchanan's sage Salvia buchananii
ABOUT
Salvia buchananii, commonly known as Buchanan's sage, is a striking perennial plant notable for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. The plant boasts an array of tubular flowers that are a deep and vivid fuchsia, often offering a stunning contrast to the surrounding greenery. These blossoms are typically arranged in whorls along the square stems, a characteristic trait of the sage family. The flowers have a velvety texture and are a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies, which are regularly attracted to their rich nectar. The foliage of Buchanan's sage consists of lush green leaves that have a slightly wrinkled appearance, with a texture that can range from smooth to slightly hairy. Leaves are typically oval to lance-shaped, with margins that can be either smooth or softly serrated. They emanate a pleasant scent when bruised or crushed, which is also a common feature of many sage plants. Harmonious in a variety of garden settings, Buchanan's sage can be found forming clumps with its stems branching gracefully and bearing the showy floral display. The overall impression of Buchanan's sage is that of a robust and ornamental plant that can add a dash of bold color to any garden or cultivated space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Buchanan's Sage, Velvet Sage, Magenta Mexican Bush Sage
Common names
Salvia buchananii.
ToxicityTo humans
Buchanan's sage is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, plants in the Salvia genus are considered non-toxic and some are even used for culinary purposes. However, individual reactions can vary, and it is always wise to be cautious and avoid ingesting plants unless they are known to be safe and are prepared correctly.
To pets
Buchanan's sage is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. While Salvia species are not typically dangerous, it's a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they could cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant and shows symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Magenta
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Salvia buchananii, commonly known as Buchanan's sage, produces vibrant magenta flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms of Buchanan's sage attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: As a member of the Salvia genus, Buchanan's sage is typically drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-efficient landscaping.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, which can save time and effort for gardeners.
- Herbaceous Perennial: Buchanan's sage is a perennial, meaning it can live for more than two years, providing a long-lasting presence in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is often resistant to deer, which makes it suitable for areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Container Gardening: It is suitable for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its colorful blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Display: Buchanan's sage's vibrant flowers can be used in decorative arrangements or as a striking focal point in a mixed border.
- Essential Oils: The leaves of Buchanan's sage can be distilled to produce fragrant essential oils for use in perfumery and aroma products.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms can be added to salads and desserts for a splash of color and mild flavor.
- Crafting Dyes: The plant material may be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns, or paper.
- Garden Butterfly Attractant: Buchanan's sage can be planted to attract butterflies, thus promoting pollination in the garden.
- Educational Tool: Used in botany and gardening classes to teach about perennial plant care and pollinator-friendly gardens.
- Culinary Garnish: Flowers and tender leaves can be used as a decorative and flavorful garnish on various dishes.
- Photography Subject: The plant's striking blooms make it a popular subject for botanical photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Fragrance Sachets: Dried leaves and flowers can be added to sachets to impart a pleasant aroma to drawers and closets.
- Plant Companionship: Buchanan's sage can be planted alongside other drought-tolerant plants to create a water-wise garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Salvia buchananii is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Salvia buchananii is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Salvia, belonging to the sage family, is often associated with healing properties and has been used in traditional medicine.
- Wisdom - The name "sage" can imply wisdom, suggesting that this plant symbolizes knowledge and good judgment.
- Protection - Sage plants are also commonly thought to have protective qualities, warding off negativity and providing spiritual safety.
- Longevity - Salvia plants can be perennial in some regions, symbolizing endurance, long life, and immortality.
- Purification - The use of sage in smudging ceremonies is symbolic of cleansing the air, purifying spaces, and clearing negative energy.
WaterBuchanan's sage should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During active growing seasons in spring and summer, water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, approximately once or twice a week, using about 1 gallon per plant. Reduce watering in the fall and water sparingly in the winter, as the plant enters dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
LightBuchanan's sage thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant would be a south-facing garden bed or a location that gets unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureBuchanan's sage prefers moderate to warm temperatures, thriving in the range of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temporary dips down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night but should be protected from frost, which can cause significant damage. It's not cold-hardy, so in areas with harsh winters, it may need to be treated as an annual or brought indoors.
PruningBuchanan's sage benefits from pruning to encourage bushiness and promote vigorous growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back by up to one-third. Remove any dead or diseased stems as needed throughout the year. The best time for heavy pruning is after the last frost but before the plant resumes active growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBuchanan's sage thrives in well-draining soil amended with organic matter, with a preferred pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix containing equal parts garden loam, coarse sand, and peat or compost is ideal for promoting healthy growth.
RepottingBuchanan's sage should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot to ensure it has enough room for root development.
Humidity & MistingBuchanan's sage prefers moderate to low humidity levels. It will thrive in typical indoor humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Buchanan's sage in a bright spot; water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, protect from harsh frost.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Salvia buchananii, commonly known as Buchanan’s sage, begins with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and can occur in spring or early summer. Seedlings develop true leaves and gradually mature into bushy perennial plants. As it grows, Buchanan’s sage requires full sun and well-drained soil, reaching flowering maturity usually in the first or second year. It produces vivid magenta flowers primarily in summer or fall, depending on the climate, which attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Following pollination, seeds are produced for dispersal, but the plant can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings. In colder climates, it dies back to the ground in winter but can regrow from its rootstock with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia buchananii, commonly known as Buchanan's sage, is best propagated through softwood cuttings, a method commonly employed due to its effectiveness and simplicity. The ideal time to take these cuttings is in late spring and early summer when the plant's new growth is just hardening off but still pliable. To propagate through softwood cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3- to 5-inch (roughly 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) length, just below a node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Next, the prepared cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a mix of half perlite and half peat to ensure good drainage and aeration. The pot should then be placed in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight, and kept consistently moist until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Salvia buchananii plant can be transplanted into the garden.
