Painted Sage Salvia viridis Claryssa Series
ABOUT
Salvia viridis, commonly known as clary sage from the Claryssa Series, is a visually striking plant cherished for its vibrant and colorful flowering bracts. Unlike the typical flowers that most plants exhibit, what is particularly noticeable about this clary sage are the prominent, showy bracts that come in a range of shades including pink, purple, and white. These bracts are leaf-like structures that persist longer than the actual flowers, extending the plant's display of color. The true flowers of clary sage nestled within the bracts are usually smaller and less flashy, often a deeper tone of the same color as their bracts or a contrasting hue. The foliage of clary sage is also attractive, with ovate leaves that are often textured with a fine, velvety surface, giving them a soft and slightly wrinkled appearance. The overall impression given by clary sage is of a lush, vibrant plant teeming with colorful accents that provides a long-lasting visual impact in any garden or floral arrangement.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Clary Sage, Painted Sage, Horminum Sage
Common names
Salvia viridis Claryssa Series.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia viridis, commonly known as painted sage, is not known to be toxic to humans. Consequently, ingestion of this plant typically does not cause harm or result in poisoning symptoms. Nevertheless, as with any non-food plant, individual reactions can vary and it is generally not advisable to consume any part of ornamental plants.
To pets
Painted sage, scientifically known as Salavia viridis, is also considered non-toxic to pets. It doesn't possess any known compounds that would typically cause poisoning in animals such as cats or dogs. Therefore, ingestion should not lead to any significant toxicity or harmful symptoms. However, it is always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption, as individual sensitivities or unexpected reactions can occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Salvia viridis Claryssa Series is known for its ease of cultivation, suitable even for beginner gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Extended Blooming Period: This plant offers a long flowering season, providing color in the garden for an extended period.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Salvia viridis Claryssa Series exhibits good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: These plants can be used in various garden settings, such as borders, containers, and as a cut flower.
- Color Variety: The Claryssa Series offers a range of vivid colors, allowing for vibrant and diverse garden designs.
- Deer Resistant: Its foliage is not preferred by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from grazing.
- Fast Growing: Salvia viridis Claryssa Series grows quickly, providing rapid results for gardeners looking to fill spaces.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return year after year in suitable climates, providing long-term garden interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Ornamental: Salvia viridis Claryssa Series, commonly known as Painted Sage, is often grown for its colorful bracts which can add aesthetic appeal to garden borders and flower arrangements.
- Dye Production: The colorful bracts of Painted Sage can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper.
- Educational Tool: Due to its easy cultivation and distinctive appearance, Painted Sage can be used in educational settings to teach botany and encourage interest in horticulture.
- Companion Planting: Painted Sage can be planted in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that assist with the pollination of vegetables and repel pests.
- Seasonal Decor: The bracts of Painted Sage retain their color when dried, making them suitable for dried flower arrangements and seasonal wreaths.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly used for flavor, the colorful bracts can be used as an eye-catching garnish for food presentation.
- Wildlife Habitat: Painted Sage can provide habitat and nectar for a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.
- Erosion Control: When planted en masse, the roots of Painted Sage can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain garden scenarios.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried bracts and leaves of Painted Sage can be included in potpourri mixes for a pleasant aroma and splash of color.
- Craft Projects: Dried bracts of Painted Sage can be used in various crafts, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPainted sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPainted sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: The genus name "Salvia" comes from the Latin word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal," symbolizing wisdom and the plant's historical use in healing and traditional medicine.
- Protection: Salvia plants have been used in various cultures to ward off evil and are often associated with a sense of safeguarding one's well-being.
- Clarity: The common name "Clary" in the Claryssa Series is derived from the Latin "clarus," meaning "clear." It symbolizes the quest for clarity and enlightenment.
- Longevity: Due to its robust nature and long blooming period, Salvia can be seen as a symbol of longevity and enduring strength.
- Purification: The plant has been burned as incense in some traditions for purification purposes, representing the cleansing of space or spirit.
WaterPainted Sage should be watered deeply once a week, providing enough water so that it reaches the root level. During hot and dry spells, an additional mid-week watering might be necessary. Adjust the frequency to ensure the soil remains slightly moist but not soggy. An average of 1 to 2 gallons per week should be sufficient for an established plant, depending on the climate and soil drainage.
LightPainted Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is one where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperaturePainted Sage prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ideally between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is sensitive to extreme cold and should be protected from frost.
PruningPainted Sage should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooming. Cut back the plant by one-third in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season will also promote additional blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPainted Sage (Salvia viridis Claryssa Series) prefers a well-draining soil mix with organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for optimum growth. Amend garden soil with compost or use a potting mix enriched with peat, compost, or coco coir for container growth.
RepottingPainted Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil. It's best to repot in spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingPainted Sage thrives in moderate humidity conditions. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50%, which is common in most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and good air circulation for Painted Sage.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia viridis, commonly known as painted sage, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when sown, germinates within a couple of weeks under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedlings emerge and grow to produce a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it develops upright stems and starts to form distinctive flower bracts, which are often more colorful than the actual flowers, ranging in hues from white and pink to purple. Painted sage flowers throughout the summer and, if deadheaded, can extend blooming into the fall. After the blooming period, the plant sets seeds, which can be collected for future planting or allowed to self-sow naturally. Finally, as an annual plant, after seeding, the painted sage completes its life cycle and dies with the arrival of frost in autumn, relying on its seeds to propagate the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Salvia viridis, commonly known as painted sage, is often propagated through seeding. The most popular method involves sowing the seeds directly into the ground once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, typically in the spring. To ensure a good start, it is best to scatter the seeds on well-drained, fertile soil and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil, no more than 1/16 of an inch (about 1.5 mm) deep. Water the area gently but keep it consistently moist until germination, which usually occurs within two to three weeks. Thinning the seedlings may be necessary to allow proper spacing for the plants to develop fully. Painted sage prefers a sunny location and, once established, will self-seed, providing a recurring display in subsequent seasons.
