Clotted Cream Sage Salvia 'Clotted Cream'
ABOUT
Clotted Cream is a perennial plant known for its luxurious creamy white blooms that resemble little scoops of the namesake cream for which it's named. The flowers are arranged in spikate inflorescences and have a delightful fragrance that can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. The blossoms are supported by sturdy stems that rise above the foliage. The leaves of the Clotted Cream are typically green, lending a lush background to the soft-colored flowers. The texture of the leaves is often velvety, contributing to the tactile experience of the plant. Clotted Cream has a bushy habit, forming a dense mound of ornamental interest and adding a touch of elegance to any garden space with its delicate blossoms and contrasting foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Clotted Cream Sage
Common names
Salvia 'Clotted Cream'
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Clotted Cream' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Most varieties of Salvia, commonly known as sage, are used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. However, consuming large quantities of Salvia, especially ornamental varieties like 'Clotted Cream', could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the presence of various plant compounds. It is not commonly associated with severe poisoning or significant health consequences in humans unless one has a specific allergy to the plant.
To pets
Salvia 'Clotted Cream' is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. Sage, the common name for Salvia, is not listed as a poisonous plant for cats and dogs by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Therefore, ingestion of small amounts of the plant 'Clotted Cream' sage is unlikely to cause poisoning in pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can still potentially result in mild gastrointestinal irritation, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large quantities. Keeping an eye on your pet and consulting with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms appear is always advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
2 feet (60 cm
Spread
2 feet (60 cm
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Salvia 'Clotted Cream' flowers are rich in nectar, which attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, benefiting local ecosystems.
- Low maintenance: Once established, Sage 'Clotted Cream' is drought-resistant and requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Long flowering period: With a long blooming season, typically from early summer to autumn, Sage 'Clotted Cream' provides extended visual interest in the garden.
- Versatile uses in landscaping: This plant can be used in borders, flower beds, and as a part of herb gardens, providing versatility in garden design.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The aromatic foliage of Sage 'Clotted Cream' tends to deter deer and rabbits, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
- Culinary uses: The leaves of Sage 'Clotted Cream' can be used in cooking to add flavor to a variety of dishes (note, however, general culinary use may not be applicable to all Salvia varieties).
- Aesthetic appeal: The creamy white flowers of this plant add a soft, soothing color to the garden palette, enhancing the visual appeal of any outdoor space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dye: The leaves of Salvia 'Clotted Cream' can be used to create a soft green dye for coloring fabrics and yarns, offering a natural and eco-friendly alternative to chemical dyes.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique creamy white blossoms of the plant can inspire artists and photographers, making it a subject for botanical drawings, watercolor paintings, and nature photography.
- Garden Design and Landscape: The plant can be used to create aesthetic color contrasts in garden beds or borders, enhancing the visual appeal of outdoor spaces.
- Culinary Decoration: The flowers of Salvia 'Clotted Cream' can be used as edible garnishes on salads and desserts for a touch of elegance and a mild, slightly peppery flavor.
- Flower Arrangements: Its tall flowering stems and distinctive color make it an excellent addition to both fresh and dried floral arrangements, adding height and texture.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried leaves and flowers can be used to make fragrant potpourri, which can naturally scent a room or drawer.
- Companion Planting: Salvia 'Clotted Cream' can be planted alongside vegetables in a garden to help attract pollinators, thus improving the overall productivity of the garden.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can be used to create a habitat for wildlife, as it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, contributing to the biodiversity of a garden.
- Teaching Tool: Its growth cycle and pollination process can serve as a hands-on educational tool in schools or educational gardens to teach children about plant biology.
- Creative Crafts: The stems and flowers can be used in craft projects, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sage plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sage plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Salvia is a member of the sage family, which is often associated with healing properties, both in traditional medicine and in a spiritual or emotional context.
- Wisdom - Sage plants, including Salvia, have long been symbols of wisdom. In ancient cultures, sage was believed to confer wisdom and knowledge.
- Protection - Salvia species have been used in various cultures for protection against evil and to ward off negative energies.
- Cleansing - Similar to protection, sage is frequently used in cleansing rituals to purify spaces, objects, or individuals from negative influences.
- Longevity - The enduring nature of Salvia and its persistent blooms may symbolize the aspiration for a long and healthy life.
WaterClotted Cream Salvia should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, while making sure the soil is slightly moist, not waterlogged. During the hotter months, you may need to water the plant more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. Generally, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant should suffice, depending on the size and the environmental conditions. In the winter months, when the plant is dormant, water sparingly, only to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightClotted Cream Salvia thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is best situated in a spot where it can benefit from the morning sun, which is less intense, while still receiving ample light throughout the day. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureClotted Cream Salvia performs well in a wide range of temperatures, but ideally, it thrives in conditions between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, making it a hardy option for many gardens. Ensure it is protected from extreme cold, which could damage or kill the plant.
PruningClotted Cream Salvia should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Prune the plant in early spring to promote new growth and again after the first flush of flowers has faded to encourage a second bloom cycle. The best time for substantial pruning is after the danger of frost has passed. Pruning can be done as often as needed to maintain the desired shape and size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSalvia 'Clotted Cream', commonly known as Sage, prefers well-draining soil with added organic matter such as compost or peat moss. A balanced pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Use a mix of two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand.
RepottingSage should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Best done in the spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingSage thrives in average room humidity. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sage in a bright spot, avoiding direct midday sun.
Outdoor
Plant Sage in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Clotted Cream' starts its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in warm, moist conditions. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops its first set of true leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth. The plant then reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, during which time it produces creamy white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits which contain seeds, enabling the plant to reproduce. As a perennial herb, Salvia 'Clotted Cream' will subsequently enter a period of dormancy during colder months, shedding its leaves and remaining inactive. With the return of favorable conditions in the following season, the plant will exit dormancy and begin a new cycle of growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Salvia 'Clotted Cream', commonly known as simply 'Clotted Cream Sage', can be effectively propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is typically carried out in late spring or early summer when new growth is still soft and flexible. To propagate, cut a 3 to 5-inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 cm) length of stem from a healthy plant, ideally just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm spot with indirect light and wait for roots to develop, which generally takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have established a robust root system, they can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
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