Blue Vine Sage Salvia cacaliifolia

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Salvia cacaliifolia, commonly known as blue vine sage, is a plant with a striking appearance primarily due to its vibrant, deep blue to purplish flowers. These tube-shaped blossoms grow in dense, eye-catching clusters that can provide a bold pop of color in any setting. The flowers have a two-lipped structure typical of members in the sage family, with the upper lip forming a hood over the lower lip, which is more open and welcoming to pollinators. The foliage of the blue vine sage is also noteworthy, with leaves that are heart-shaped, exhibiting a deep green color with a somewhat glossy surface. The leaf edges are typically lightly serrated, giving them a delicate appearance. These leaves are attached to the plant's stems by long petioles, which allow them to catch the light and flutter in the breeze, adding a dynamic quality to the plant's overall look. The stems of the blue vine sage tend to have a trailing or sprawling habit, often lending themselves to use in hanging baskets or as a groundcover, where they can elegantly spill over edges or cover the ground with their verdant foliage and colorful blooms. The intertwining stems create a lush tapestry that can be quite alluring to both the eye and the local pollinators seeking the nectar within the attractive flowers. Overall, the plant's aesthetic appeal comes from the combination of its luxurious, heart-shaped leaves and the profusion of intense blue flowers that together, create a visually harmonious and striking display.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae.
- Synonyms
  Blue Vine Sage, Guatemalan Leaf Sage
- Common names
  Salvia cacaliifolia.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant known as Blue Vine Sage is not widely reported to be toxic to humans. There is limited information available on the toxicity of Salvia cacaliifolia specifically to humans, and it does not commonly appear on lists of poisonous plants. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is generally advisable to avoid ingesting plants unless they are known to be edible. Ingesting unknown plants can pose a risk of allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset.
- To pets
  Blue Vine Sage, or Salvia cacaliifolia, does not have a reputation for being highly toxic to pets. However, as with humans, there is not an extensive amount of information on the specific effects of this plant on pets. It's always best to err on the side of caution and prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be safe. If a pet does ingest Blue Vine Sage and shows signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  8
- Native area
  Mexico

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic appeal: Salvia cacaliifolia, commonly known as Blue Vine Sage, features vibrant blue flowers and lush green foliage, which can add a pop of color and visual interest to any garden or landscape.
- Attracts pollinators: The vivid blossoms of Blue Vine Sage are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity and assisting in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Blue Vine Sage is fairly drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy maintenance: This plant generally requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners of all experience levels or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Fast growth: Blue Vine Sage can grow quickly under the right conditions, providing rapid ground cover or filling in garden spaces effectively.
- Versatile landscaping: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and as a groundcover, offering versatile design possibilities.
- Long blooming period: Blue Vine Sage typically enjoys a long flowering season, which can provide color and interest in a garden throughout much of the year.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Salvia cacaliifolia, commonly known as Blue Vine Sage, is sometimes used in butterfly gardens as its vibrant flowers attract various butterfly species, providing an excellent source of nectar.
- The plant can function as a living trellis in gardens, supporting lighter climbing plants with its sturdy stems.
- Due to its cascading growth habit, Blue Vine Sage is ideal for hanging baskets, creating a waterfall of blue flowers when in bloom.
- In suburban landscaping, it is used to stabilize slopes and banks, as its rooting system helps prevent soil erosion.
- Blue Vine Sage is also used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- The leaves of the plant can be crushed and used as a natural insect repellent in gardens to protect other plants.
- Dried leaves of Blue Vine Sage may be used in potpourri mixes to add a fresh, herbal fragrance to indoor spaces.
- Some gardeners use the plant as a natural dye source; the flowers can yield shades of blue and purple when used to dye fabrics.
- The robust, sprawling growth of the Blue Vine Sage makes it a visually appealing ground cover in large sunny areas where other plants might struggle to establish.
- Owing to its intense blue flowers, the plant is utilized in color-themed garden designs, such as 'moon gardens' that feature white and pale-hued plants.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Blue Vine Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Blue Vine Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Salvia cacaliifolia, commonly known as blue vine sage, is a member of the Salvia genus, which has been widely recognized for its healing properties, particularly in traditional medicine.
- Wisdom: The name 'Salvia' derives from the Latin 'salvere,' which means 'to save' or 'to heal.' It is often associated with wisdom and longevity.
- Protection: Many cultures believe sage plants offer protection against evil and negativity.
- Spirituality: Sage is frequently used in spiritual practices for cleansing spaces and purifying the air, symbolizing a connection to the spiritual realm.
- Immortality: The enduring nature of some Salvia species is emblematic of immortality.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For Blue Vine Sage, it is important to maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing enough water so that it reaches the root zone. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, the amount may vary, but generally about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week should be sufficient. During hotter, drier periods, increase the frequency of watering but always check the top inch of soil for moisture before watering again to avoid overwatering. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant's growth slows down.
Light
Blue Vine Sage prefers to be placed in a location where it can receive full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant would be where it can bask in direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Partial shade is beneficial during the hottest part of the day, especially in areas with intense summer heat.
Temperature
Blue Vine Sage thrives in warm temperatures and can survive in a temperature range between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature for optimal growth is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant protected from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold conditions can damage or kill the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Blue Vine Sage is important for maintaining its shape and encouraging more vigorous growth. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged stems to promote healthy development. Pruning can also be done after the blooming period to tidy up the plant and encourage a second wave of flowers. Typically, pruning once or twice a year is adequate.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Blue Vine Sage thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix containing equal parts of loam, peat, and perlite or sand creates an ideal environment for growth. This plant prefers a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.1 and 7.5.
Repotting
Blue Vine Sage should generally be repotted every 1 to 2 years to ensure the plant has enough room to grow and to refresh the soil. The best time to repot is in the spring, before the onset of the active growing season.
Humidity & Misting
Blue Vine Sage prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity conditions as long as its watering needs are met adequately. High humidity is not a strict requirement for this plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Blue Vine Sage in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
- Outdoor
  Plant Blue Vine Sage in partial shade; water when soil feels dry.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of Salvia cacaliifolia, commonly known as blue vine sage, begins with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and good lighting conditions. Once sprouted, the seedling develops a root system and foliage, growing rapidly under optimal conditions of sunlight and moist soil. As it matures, blue vine sage forms an herbaceous to semi-woody perennial structure with heart-shaped leaves and trailing stems that can reach up to 2-3 feet long. The plant then enters the flowering stage, typically in summer, producing striking blue to purplish flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, which are essential for its reproduction. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small nutlets, which are the seeds for the next generation. Finally, in the post-flowering stage, if conditions are not ideal, the plant may enter dormancy until favorable conditions return, or it may persist in milder climates, with pruning encouraged to promote new growth and flower production in the following season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: Blue Vine Sage can be propagated most effectively through stem cuttings, which is the most popular method. To do this, cut a healthy stem approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long from the parent plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to increase the likelihood of successful root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Place it in a location with bright, indirect light. The best time to take cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings typically root within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted to their permanent location.