Painted Sage Salvia viridis
ABOUT
Salvia viridis, commonly known as clary sage, is a visually captivating plant famed for its showy bracts rather than its actual flowers. The bracts are modified leaves, which in this species, add significant ornamental value. They come in a variety of shades such as pink, purple, or white, and typically have a paper-like texture. These colorful bracts are arranged in a dense, terminal spike and last much longer than the true flowers, providing long-lasting visual interest. The true flowers of clary sage are relatively small and often of a pale blue to violet color, nestled among the more conspicuous bracts. The leaves of the plant are textured, with a covering of fine hairs, giving them a slightly rough touch. They are generally oval to heart-shaped, with a wrinkled appearance and serrated edges. Together, the striking bracts, delicate true flowers, and textured foliage create a plant with a rich tapestry of colors and textures, making it an appealing addition to gardens and floral displays for aesthetic purposes. Clary sage has a bushy habit, with stems that are typically square in cross-section – a common trait in the sage family. With its distinctive appearance, this plant can add color and structural interest to a variety of planting settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Painted Sage, Annual Clary, Orval.
Common names
Salvia horminum, Horminum viride, Salvia viridula, Salvia tomentosa
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia viridis, commonly known as annual clary or orval, is not known to have significant toxicity to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of this plant in humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in some people.
To pets
Annual clary or orval is not known for being toxic to pets. However, pets may sometimes have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to non-toxic plants, which can cause mild symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. There is no specific toxicity associated with Salvia viridis that would result in severe poisoning in pets. As with any plant matter, ingestion should be monitored to prevent potential digestive upsets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-3 feet [30-91 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia viridis is known for its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are integral to pollination and the health of surrounding plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, it is frequently used in gardens and landscapes for ornamental purposes, providing visual interest and beauty.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in arid or drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care in terms of watering, fertilizing, and pruning, making it an easy choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Fast Growth: Salvia viridis grows quickly, which means it can fill in garden spaces and create a lush appearance in a relatively short amount of time.
- Erosion Control: Its root systems can help stabilize soil, making it useful for planting on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Companion Planting: As it can positively interact with nearby plants, helping to repel certain pests and aid in the overall health and productivity of garden ecosystems.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides food and shelter for various small wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: The colorful bracts of Clary Sage can be used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements to add a splash of color.
- Edible Flowers: The actual flowers of Clary Sage, while small, can sometimes be used as a decorative, edible garnish in salads and on desserts.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The pigments in Clary Sage bracts can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding various shades of color.
- Garden Borders: Clary Sage can act as a striking border plant in ornamental gardens due to its vivid bracts and upright growth habit.
- Dried Potpourri: The bracts and leaves of Clary Sage, when dried, retain some of their color and scent, making them suitable for potpourri mixes.
- Companion Planting: Clary Sage can be interplanted with vegetables in a garden to attract pollinators which may help improve the yield of vegetable crops.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the vibrant colors and textures of Clary Sage as inspiration in painting, photography, and other visual arts.
- Craft Projects: Pressed flowers and bracts of Clary Sage can be incorporated into craft projects, such as handmade paper or bookmarks.
- Teaching Aids: Educators can use Clary Sage in lessons about botany, pollination, and color variation in the plant kingdom.
- Wildlife Habitat: The flowers of Clary Sage can provide a source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting local biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Salvia viridis, commonly known as clary sage, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityClary sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: Salvia comes from the Latin "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal," often associated with wisdom and knowledge.
- Longevity: Due to its hardy nature and long blooming period, Salvia viridis symbolizes longevity and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Protection: In some traditions, Salvia is believed to possess protective properties, symbolic of keeping negative influences at bay.
- Sacredness: Some cultures consider Salvia sacred due to its use in rituals and its healing properties.
WaterPainted Sage prefers to be watered regularly, but it is also tolerant of some drought once it's established. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly, which could equate to about 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and soil type. During hot spells or in particularly dry climates, you may need to water more frequently. Always check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and fungal diseases, focusing the water at the base of the plant instead.
LightPainted Sage thrives best in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Painted Sage is in an area where the plant can bask in the morning sun and be protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon, if possible. While the plant can tolerate partial shade, too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperaturePainted Sage is hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures, but it grows best when the temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. While the plant can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, it should be protected from frost. During the growing season, maintaining a temperature range around the ideal conditions will ensure optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPainted Sage benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune lightly in the late spring or early summer after the first flush of flowers begins to fade. This often encourages a second bloom period. Cut the spent flower stalks back by one-third to one-half to stimulate new growth. Pruning is usually done on an as-needed basis rather than on a strict schedule, and the best time is typically after blooming has slowed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPainted Sage (Salvia viridis) thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing loamy soil, compost, and sand or perlite is optimal, ensuring good aeration and fertility. The soil should be amended with organic matter annually to maintain nutrient levels.
RepottingPainted Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish soil nutrients and to accommodate its growth. Spring is the best time for repotting, giving the plant a fresh start for the vigorous growing season.
Humidity & MistingPainted Sage prefers moderate humidity levels. It is fairly adaptable, but avoid environments that are too dry or excessively humid, which can be detrimental to the plant's health and attractiveness.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Painted Sage indoors with bright, indirect light and ample air circulation.
Outdoor
For outdoor growth, plant Painted Sage in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Salvia viridis, commonly known as annual clary or orval, begins with seed germination when conditions become warm in spring. Once germinated, the seedlings grow rapidly into young plants with foliage, developing a root system and true leaves. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage, focusing on leaf production and gaining size and strength for subsequent stages. Following vegetative growth, Salvia viridis enters the flowering stage, during which colorful bracts and small true flowers emerge, attracting a variety of pollinators. After pollination, flowers produce seeds that reach maturity within their calyces and the plant begins to senesce. Completing its life cycle, the annual clary eventually dies after seeding, relying on the dispersed seeds to propagate the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia viridis, commonly known as annual clary or painted sage, is most commonly propagated through seeds. The optimal time for sowing these seeds is usually in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60-70°F (15-21°C). To propagate, sow the seeds thinly onto the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and press them gently into the soil, as they require light for germination. Do not cover them with more soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and in a position with good light but not direct scorching sun. Germination typically occurs in two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, typically when they have a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or spaced out in the garden.
