Sage Salvia 'Dyson's Joy'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Dyson's Joy' is a captivating plant recognized for its vibrant floral display and aromatic foliage. The flowers are striking, with a beautiful combination of pink and purple hues, typically arranged in whorls along the upright flowering spikes. These blooms are tubular in shape, creating a rich tapestry of color that draws the attention of onlookers and pollinators alike, especially butterflies and hummingbirds. The leaves of 'Dyson's Joy' are equally appealing, with a lush, green color and a textured surface that can emit a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed. The foliage often forms a dense and bushy backdrop for the floral spectacle, setting the stage for an extended blooming period that brings continuous interest throughout its flowering season. Overall, the plant exudes a cottage garden charm, blending well with a variety of other garden plants. It radiates an informal elegance that can soften garden borders or enhance container plantings. Its vibrant color and engaging scent contribute to a multisensory experience, making it a beloved choice for many garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Dyson's Joy Salvia, Scarlet Sage, Ornamental Sage
Common names
Salvia 'Dyson's Joy'
ToxicityTo humans
Salvias, in general, have a wide range of species with varied toxicity levels. However, Salvia 'Dyson's Joy', a type of sage, is not known to be toxic to humans. In fact, sage is commonly used as an herb in cooking. There is typically no risk of poisoning from ingesting parts of the sage plant, such as the leaves. However, it is always best to be cautious, as individual allergic reactions or sensitivities can occur.
To pets
Salvia 'Dyson's Joy', or sage, is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. It is generally considered safe for cats and dogs if ingested in small, culinary quantities. However, in larger quantities, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some pets. Always monitor your pet's reaction to a new plant and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: This plant is known to attract bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
- Low Maintenance: Salvia 'Dyson's Joy' is easy to care for and does not require frequent watering or fertilizing.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for dry climate gardens or for gardeners looking to conserve water.
- Long Flowering Period: It blooms from early summer to fall, providing a long season of color and interest in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Versatile Garden Use: It can be used in a variety of garden settings including borders, flower beds, and as part of a mixed perennial display.
- Colorful Foliage: Apart from its flowers, Salvia 'Dyson's Joy' also has attractive foliage that can add extra visual interest to gardens.
- Compact Growth: With its compact growth habit, it is suitable for small gardens or for growing in containers on patios or balconies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of Salvia 'Dyson's Joy' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of colors from greens to blues depending on the mordant used.
- Companion planting: This salvia can be grown alongside vegetables as it is believed to attract pollinators and potentially deter some pests with its aromatic leaves.
- Crafts and decoration: The vibrant flowers and leaves can be used in dried floral arrangements or potpourri to add color and a subtle fragrance to a room.
- Flavoring: The leaves of the Salvia 'Dyson's Joy' can be used in small quantities to flavor certain dishes or infuse oils and vinegars with a unique taste.
- Photography subject: Due to its striking colors and form, it can be an attractive subject for photographers and artists, particularly when capturing the essence of a garden.
- Garden design: Its compact size and long blooming period make it ideal for use in container gardens or as part of a border front in landscape design.
- Educational purposes: It can be used in schools or educational programs to teach students about plant biology and the importance of pollinators in ecosystems.
- Natural confetti: Dried petals of Salvia 'Dyson's Joy' can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Pressed flower art: The blooms can be pressed and preserved to create artwork or to decorate personal items like bookmarks or greeting cards.
- Wildlife shelter: When allowed to grow densely, this variety of salvia can provide shelter and habitat for small beneficial insects in the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvias, in general, are often associated with healing properties due to their use in traditional medicine. They can symbolize the power to heal both physically and emotionally.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia is derived from the Latin "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal," and is closely related to 'sage', a word that also connotes wisdom and sagaciousness.
- Longevity: Because many salvias are perennials and have a long blooming season, they often symbolize longevity and the enduring nature of life.
- Protection: Salvias have been used in various cultures for their believed protective qualities, whether against evil or for warding off negative energy.
- Spirituality: Salvia plants have a history of use in spiritual rituals and shamanic practices, making them a symbol of spiritual pursuit and enlightenment.
- Purity: The bright and vivid colors of Salvia 'Dyson's Joy', particularly the purple hues, are often associated with purity and the cleansing of the soul.
WaterSalvia 'Dyson's Joy', commonly known as baby sage, should be watered regularly to ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant approximately once every week, providing about one to two gallons per watering, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Reduce watering in the winter months when plant growth naturally slows down. It is important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent root rot. Always check the soil moisture level since overwatering can be as detrimental as under-watering for baby sage.
LightBaby sage thrives in full sunlight, so it is best to plant it in a spot where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window to ensure it gets enough light. Too little light can lead to leggy growth and weak flowering, while ideal light conditions promote compact growth and an abundance of flowers.
TemperatureBaby sage prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F but should be protected from frosts and freezes. During hot spells, temperatures above 90°F may stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade or extra water can help it stay healthy. Maintaining the temperature within this range will result in a more vigorous plant with stronger blooms.
PruningPruning baby sage encourages bushier growth and more abundant flowering. Prune the plant back in early spring, cutting back by one-third to stimulate new growth. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season can promote continuous bloom. It's not necessary to prune more than once a year, but tidying up the plant by removing damaged or dead stems can be done as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Salvia 'Dyson's Joy', a well-draining soil mixture is ideal, combining two parts garden soil, one part coarse sand, and one part organic compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is optimal for this sage variety.
RepottingSalvia 'Dyson's Joy' should generally be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil, provide room for growth, and to maintain the health of the roots.
Humidity & MistingSalvia 'Dyson's Joy' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate conditions, without the need for high humidity settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has good drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Dyson's Joy', commonly known as Dyson's Joy Sage, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in spring or cuttings are taken for propagation. The seeds germinate and young seedlings emerge, which are then transplanted to their final growing location. As the plant matures, it develops a bushy habit with woody stems and aromatic foliage, flowering typically from late spring to autumn, showcasing vibrant pink and purple blooms that attract pollinators. After blooming, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for future sowing. Throughout the growing season, Dyson's Joy Sage requires pruning to promote bushier growth and more prolific flowering. With the onset of winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but can re-emerge from its root system or protected crown in the following spring if properly mulched and cared for.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method of propagating Salvia 'Dyson's Joy' is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the new growth is just hardening off but still flexible. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them to about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) in length, making sure each cutting has at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes, as this is where root development is encouraged. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist and to place the cuttings in a warm area with indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location in the garden.
