Ember's Wish Sage Salvia Ember's Wish = 'Sal 0101' (PBR)
ABOUT
Salvia Ember's Wish, known for its striking and vibrant blossoms, is adorned with an abundance of coral-orange flowers. The plant displays a profusion of these vivid, tube-shaped flowers that form in whorls along the upright stems, creating a striking contrast against its background of lush green foliage. The leaves are typically ovate, with a somewhat wrinkled texture and a rich, deep green color that further accentuates the brightness of the blooms. The flowers themselves have a somewhat velvety appearance, which attracts a variety of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, to the garden. The visual appeal of Salvia Ember's Wish is enhanced by a continuous flowering cycle that begins in late spring and persists until the first frost, offering a long-lasting display of color. The overall aesthetic of this salvia cultivar is one of warmth, vibrancy, and cheer, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a bold splash of color to their landscape.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Ember's Wish Sage, Wish Sage.
Common names
Salvia Ember's Wish = 'Sal 0101' (PBR).
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as Ember's Wish Salvia generally has low toxicity to humans. Salvia species are not typically considered poisonous. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, and the ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms in sensitive individuals, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s always a good practice to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants due to potential individual sensitivities and the possibility of unknown cultivar-specific effects.
To pets
Ember's Wish Salvia is not known to be highly toxic to pets. Salvia plants are generally considered to be of low toxicity to animals. However, as with any plant ingestion, there can be a risk of mild gastrointestinal irritation, which could manifest as symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant and shows adverse symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Nonetheless, caution should be taken to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants as individual reactions can vary.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Coral
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet 6 inches (76 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Australia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: The Salvia Ember's Wish attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Vibrant Color: It showcases bright coral-red flowers that add vivid color to garden landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Long Blooming: It has a prolonged blooming season, often from spring to frost, providing long-lasting garden interest.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep once established.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it comes back year after year, reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can help to prevent damage in gardens prone to deer visits.
- Compact Growth: Its mounding growth habit makes it suitable for containers, borders, and small garden spaces.
- Heat Tolerance: It can withstand high temperatures, ideal for gardens in hotter climates.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Hummingbird Attractor: Salvia Ember's Wish is known to attract hummingbirds, which can help with pollination and adds a vivid dynamism to the garden space.
- Butterfly Garden Plant: This Salvia is an excellent nectar source for butterflies, making it a suitable choice for a butterfly-friendly garden.
- Educational Tool: Due to its interesting growth patterns and pollinator-friendly attributes, Salvia Ember's Wish can be used in schools for teaching children about plant biology and the importance of insects in ecosystems.
- Photography: Its vibrant flowers provide a beautiful subject for botanical photographers and hobbyists looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a traditional use, the bright flowers of Salvia Ember's Wish can add a colorful garnish to salads and desserts (after ensuring they are safe and pesticide-free).
- Aromatherapy: While not directly used in aromatherapy, the plant can contribute to a garden's scent profile, creating a relaxing outdoor environment.
- Border Plants: Its upright growth habit and vibrant color make Salvia Ember's Wish a good choice for borders in landscaping designs.
- Crafting: Dried flowers of Salvia Ember's Wish can be used in crafting, such as in the making of natural jewelry or decorative arrangements.
- Color Theme Gardens: Gardeners creating a specific color-themed garden can use Salvia Ember's Wish's vivid orange-red flowers to complement and enhance their design.
- Literary Inspiration: The distinct appearance and the name "Ember's Wish" can provide inspiration for writers and poets looking for natural imagery and symbolism to include in their work.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Sage is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Wisdom: Salvia is often associated with wisdom as its name is derived from the Latin word 'salvere,' which means "to be saved" or "to heal," indicating a connection to knowledge and well-being.
- Longevity: With its durable nature and long blooming period, Salvia symbolizes long life and immortality.
- Immortality: The long-lasting qualities of Salvia flowers suggest a theme of enduring spirit and eternal life.
- Healing: Salvia plants have a history of medicinal use, symbolizing healing and the soothing of physical and emotional ailments.
- Water
The Salvia 'Ember's Wish', commonly known as Ember’s Wish Sage, prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, during the growing season, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water should suffice, depending on local weather conditions and soil type. In hotter, drier climates, the frequency may increase, and during cooler, wetter periods, it can be reduced. Ensure that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage strong root growth. During the winter months, when the plant is not actively growing, reduce the watering frequency to prevent waterlogging and potential root rot.
- Light
Ember’s Wish Sage flourishes best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Placing the plant in a spot where it can soak up morning sun and receive some afternoon shade is optimal, especially in regions with very hot summers. Too much shade can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers, whereas too much intense heat can stress the plant.
- Temperature
Ember’s Wish Sage thrives in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F, which are ideal for its growth and flowering. It can withstand occasional dips down to 20°F but sustained freezing temperatures or frost may damage or kill the plant. In areas with very hot summers, protecting the sage from the intense afternoon heat can help prevent wilting and heat stress.
- Pruning
Prune Ember’s Wish Sage in the early spring to encourage bushy growth and more prolific blooming. Removing spent flowers during the blooming season can also promote continuous flowering. Pruning should be done by cutting back up to one-third of the plant's height, focusing on old and woody stems to rejuvenate the plant. In areas with mild winters, a lighter prune may be done again in late summer or early fall.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Ember's Wish Sage thrives in well-draining, fertile soil, with a recommended pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage represents the best soil mixture for this plant.
- Repotting
Ember's Wish Sage does not need frequent repotting; it typically requires repotting every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current container.
- Humidity & Misting
Ember's Wish Sage prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions as long as it is not excessively dry.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright light and maintain warm temps.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
- Life cycle
Salvia Ember's Wish typically begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or cuttings are taken and rooted. The seedlings or cuttings establish themselves, developing a robust root system and foliage in a vegetative growth stage. As the plant matures, it enters a flowering stage, producing vibrant coral flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds, thus completing its reproductive cycle. During the growing season, it may experience cycles of growth and flowering. In climates with cold winters, Salvia Ember's Wish may die back to the ground and become dormant, only to re-emerge in the spring to start the cycle anew.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia Ember's Wish, commonly known as Ember's Wish Sage, is typically propagated through stem cuttings, a process best undertaken in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top, to prevent excess moisture loss. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight. In several weeks, when the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted into the garden or a larger container.