Blue Note Sage Salvia 'Blue Note' (PBR)
ABOUT
Salvia 'Blue Note' is a striking ornamental plant with a free-flowering nature, making it a colorful addition to gardens and landscapes. It features lush green foliage that is made up of oblong leaves with serrated edges, which create a dense backdrop for its flowers. The leaves may also have a slightly textured appearance, contributing to the plant's visual interest. The most stunning aspect of the Salvia 'Blue Note' is its vivid flowers. The blooms are a deep blue to purple hue, appearing as if they are little notes of color, which might be the inspiration behind its name. Flowers are arranged in whorls along the upright flower spikes, which are prominent above the green foliage, attracting viewers with their eye-catching arrangement. Each individual flower resembles a small tube or funnel, that extends into two lips – the upper lip which is hooded, and the lower lip that acts as a landing pad for visiting bees and butterflies, which find this plant highly attractive. The overall aspect of the plant is one of a lush, flowering herbaceous perennial, which is cherished for its lengthy blooming season and the ability to add a burst of cool-tone colors to any setting. Its charming appearance is versatile, namely in garden borders, as it provides both a visual and sensory experience, thanks to the aromatic foliage when brushed or crushed, accompanying its visual beauty.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Blue Note Sage, Ornamental Sage.
Common names
Salvia 'Blue Note' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Blue Note', commonly known as sage, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual reactions can vary, and some people might experience mild discomfort if they ingest parts of the plant or come into allergic contact with it. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from this sage variety, as it is not known to be poisonous. Therefore, ingestion should not lead to serious consequences under normal circumstances.
To pets
Salvia 'Blue Note', commonly known as sage, is not typically known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the commonly toxic plants for pets such as cats and dogs. While ingestion in small quantities is not likely to cause harm, consumption of large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, as can be true with the ingestion of any non-food item by pets. It is always prudent to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of any plants to avoid possible adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Salvia 'Blue Note' features striking blue flowers that can enhance the beauty of any garden space.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is known for its ability to withstand dry conditions, making it suitable for water-conservative landscaping.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels of experience.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long blooming season from late spring until frost, providing consistent color in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, reducing the risk of damage in areas where deer are prevalent.
- Growth Control: Unlike some Salvias, 'Blue Note' is compact and does not spread aggressively, making it easy to manage in mixed plantings.
- Hardiness: It is quite hardy once established, capable of enduring cold temperatures depending on the specific zone recommendations.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, containers, and mass plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia 'Blue Note' can be used as a natural dye, with its leaves imparting a greenish color to fabrics and materials.
- The plant can be infused into oils or vinegars to add a unique flavor to culinary dishes, though it should be used sparingly due to its strong taste.
- Dried Salvia 'Blue Note' can be incorporated into potpourri to provide a soothing fragrance in homes.
- The fragrant leaves can be placed in drawers or closets as a natural moth repellent to protect clothing.
- Salvia 'Blue Note' can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about pollination and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- It can be planted as part of a green roof system, contributing to urban biodiversity and building insulation.
- Garden designers may use Salvia 'Blue Note' as a natural border to create rhythms and patterns in landscape designs.
- The plant can be used for artistic purposes, such as pressing its flowers and leaves for use in botanical prints or crafts.
- Salvia 'Blue Note' can be utilized in sensory gardens, where its texture and scent contribute to the sensory experience.
- It can also serve as a natural pest deterrent in vegetable gardens, as its strong scent is said to help ward off certain insect pests when planted alongside vegetables.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvias in general have been associated with healing due to their medicinal properties used in herbal remedies.
- Wisdom: The name 'Salvia' comes from the Latin 'salvere' which means "to be saved" or "to heal", pointing to wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Longevity: Many cultures view salvia as a symbol of a long life, often related to its health benefits and enduring nature.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: Salvia is sometimes used in spiritual practices for cleansing and achieving a deeper spiritual or meditative state.
- Protection: As an herb with strong scents, salvia is often believed to ward off negative energy or spirits.
WaterMeadow Sage should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil type, making sure the soil is allowed to dry slightly between waterings. To prevent water wastage and to ensure the water reaches the roots, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. For potted plants, check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. An established Meadow Sage may require approximately 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season, but be cautious of overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
LightMeadow Sage thrives best in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Place it in a spot where it will receive ample morning light and protection from the intense late afternoon sun if possible, especially in hotter climates. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less than full sun conditions.
TemperatureMeadow Sage prefers a temperate climate and does well in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive short periods of colder weather, down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can be detrimental to the plant. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Meadow Sage in early spring to encourage new growth and improve air circulation. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut back old growth by about one-third to promote bushier growth and more blooms. After the first flush of flowers, deadheading or light pruning can encourage a second bloom in late summer or early fall. The best time for major pruning is when new leaves start to appear at the base of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSalvia 'Blue Note', commonly known as perennial sage, thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost. A balanced mix of two parts garden soil, one part coarse sand, and one part compost is ideal. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingPerennial sage should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingPerennial sage prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable and can tolerate the drier conditions typically found in home environments. Excessively high humidity should be avoided to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Perennial Sage in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun and well-draining soil for outdoor Perennial Sage.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Blue Note', commonly known as Blue Note Sage, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in well-drained soil and germinate, typically in the early spring. Once the seedlings emerge and establish a root system, they enter a vegetative stage, focusing on leaf and stem growth. As the plant matures and environmental conditions such as light duration and temperature are favorable, it will enter the flowering stage, producing its distinctive blue flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will develop into seed capsules, and once these seeds mature, they are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, Blue Note Sage will experience periodic growth spurts and may undergo pruning to maintain shape and encourage further blooming. Come winter, as a perennial, it will die back to the ground in colder climates, with its root system remaining dormant until the onset of warm weather in spring signals a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Salvia 'Blue Note' (sometimes referred to simply as salvia), can be propagated through softwood cuttings, which is the most popular method for this particular plant. Propagation is generally done in late spring to early summer when new growth is soft and pliable. To propagate cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 3 to 4 inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) section from the tip, making sure each cutting has a couple of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes where roots will develop. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and plant the cutting in a moist potting mix. Place the pot in a warm location with indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. Once established, the young plants can be transplanted outdoors to their permanent location in the garden.
