Garden Sage Salvia 'Christine Yeo'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Christine Yeo' is a perennial plant commonly known as sage. It exhibits an appealing contrast of deep purple stems that support vibrant purple-blue flowers. The flowering spikes are eye-catching and rise above the foliage in a display that attracts bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are aromatic, adding to its sensory appeal. They are typically green, sometimes with a grayish tint, and have a textured surface, which provides a lush backdrop for the flowers. The growth habit of Salvia 'Christine Yeo' tends to be clump-forming, which allows for a dense, bushy appearance, contributing to an overall robust and healthy look. The blooms usually emerge in late spring to early summer and can last into the fall, offering a long season of color and interest in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Christine Yeo Sage, Christine Yeo Salvia
Common names
Salvia 'Christine Yeo'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Salvia 'Christine Yeo' is Sage, which is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Sage is actually used in cooking and has various medicinal properties. However, consuming it in very large quantities could potentially cause adverse effects due to the presence of compounds like thujone. Symptoms of ingesting large amounts of Sage can include dizziness, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and seizures in extreme cases.
To pets
Sage, the common name for Salvia 'Christine Yeo', is typically safe for pets in small amounts. It is not known to be highly toxic to pets. However, as with humans, consuming large amounts could potentially lead to digestive upset or more serious symptoms similar to those in humans, such as lethargy or neurological issues. It is always best to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you observe any signs of distress after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Salvia 'Christine Yeo' attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This salvia requires minimal care once established, with little need for fertilization or pruning.
- Long Blooming: Salvia 'Christine Yeo' has a long flowering season that can extend from late spring through to autumn.
- Adds Color: The violet-blue flowers and green foliage provide a splash of color to garden beds and borders.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer browsing, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common garden pest.
- Suitable for Containers: This variety can be grown in containers, making it a good option for patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return each year, providing lasting value in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Gardeners and artists alike may be inspired by the Salvia 'Christine Yeo's vivid purple-blue flowers, using them as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other forms of botanical art.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be included in educational programs at schools or botanical gardens to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and the role of perennials in garden ecosystems.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals and leaves can potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues that reflect the plant's natural coloring.
- Floral Arrangements: While not typical, Salvia 'Christine Yeo's striking blooms can be used in cut flower arrangements to add an unusual and vibrant touch to bouquets and floral designs.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a common culinary herb, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads and desserts, assuming they are free of pesticides.
- Photography Subject: Due to its attractive flowers, Salvia 'Christine Yeo' serves a great subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in macro photography and nature scenes.
- Craft Projects: Dried Salvia flowers can be incorporated into craft projects such as pressed flower art, homemade paper, or potpourri.
- Garden Themes: The plant can be included as part of a specific garden theme, such as a purple garden or a bee-friendly plot, due to its attractive color and appeal to pollinators.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Salvia flower petals can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of traditional confetti.
- Perfumery: The plant's fragrant leaves may be explored for use in creating natural perfumes or scented products like sachets, although this is less common than with other aromatic plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Protection: Salvia plants, commonly known as sage, have been associated with healing and protection. This symbolism stems from the historical use of sage in traditional medicine and spiritual rituals for cleansing and safeguarding against negativity.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia comes from the Latin word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal." As such, sage is often symbolic of wisdom and the search for truth, connected to the plant's reputation for bringing insight and knowledge.
- Longevity: Sage has also been considered a symbol of longevity and immortality due to its health benefits and hardiness as a plant, representing the hope for a long and healthy life.
WaterThe Meadow Sage should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session during active growth periods in spring and summer. Reduce watering in the fall and water sparingly in the winter, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot, especially in cooler months. Frequent light watering is not recommended, as it promotes shallow root growth. Instead, aim for thorough watering that encourages deeper root development.
LightThe Meadow Sage thrives best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It should be planted in a spot where it will receive ample morning light and be protected from the intense heat of late afternoon sun in very hot climates. Partial shade is tolerable, but blooming may be reduced in less than full sun exposure.
TemperatureMeadow Sage is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, withstanding minimum winter temperatures down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, it prefers to grow in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and flowering. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so some afternoon shade is beneficial in very hot climates.
PruningPrune Meadow Sage to encourage bushiness and to prevent the center from becoming woody. Cut back by one-third in early spring as new growth begins and deadhead spent flowers during the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. After the first frost, it’s beneficial to cut the plant back to ground level to prepare it for winter and encourage vigorous growth in the following spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the common sage 'Christine Yeo', a well-draining soil mix is ideal. A combination of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can provide the proper structure and nutrients. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to neutral, ranging around 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingSage 'Christine Yeo' typically requires repotting every 1-2 years to replenish soil nutrients and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring or early summer to reduce stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingSage 'Christine Yeo' prefers average to low humidity conditions. It thrives in outdoor environments where the air is not overly moist, thus indoor environments should try to mimic this condition without additional humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot, well-draining soil, water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-drained soil, minimal care.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Salvia 'Christine Yeo', commonly known as Meadow Sage, starts its life cycle as a seed, which requires well-drained soil and some warmth to germinate. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a young plant with characteristic green foliage and begins to establish a root system. As it matures, the Meadow Sage enters the vegetative stage, developing a robust leaf structure and stem system in preparation for flowering. The next stage is the flowering period, where vibrant purple-blue flowers blossom, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, vital for the plant's reproduction. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial plant, the Meadow Sage may enter a period of dormancy in colder climates, with growth and flowering resuming in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Salvia 'Christine Yeo', commonly known as sage, can be propagated effectively through semi-woody stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate it, select a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length just below a node, where a leaf joint is present. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent rotting when planted and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to enhance root development. After preparing the cutting, plant it in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the potted cutting in a bright area with indirect sunlight and within a few weeks, the cutting should establish roots and begin new growth.
