Cedar Sage Salvia roemeriana 'Hot Trumpets'
ABOUT
Salvia roemeriana 'Hot Trumpets', commonly known as cedar sage, is an eye-catching perennial that flaunts striking flowers. The blooms are a vibrant shade of scarlet red, trumpet-shaped, and they attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds. These vivid flowers are grouped in whorls that form loose spikes, which provide a dramatic contrast against the green backdrop of the foliage. The leaves of this plant are typically vibrant green, textured with a somewhat wrinkly surface, and give off a pleasant aroma when crushed. Overall, the plant possesses a bushy, rounded habit with a lush appearance that adds a splash of color to garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cedar Sage, Roemer's Sage.
Common names
Salvia roemeriana 'Hot Trumpets'
ToxicityTo humans
Cedar sage is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always a good idea to handle plants with care and avoid ingesting plant material unless it is known to be safe and is intended for culinary use.
To pets
Cedar sage is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets; however, individual reactions can vary between animals. If a pet were to ingest a large quantity, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. Close supervision and preventing your pets from eating ornamental plants is always a prudent practice. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Texas
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Salvia roemeriana 'Hot Trumpets' is known for its bright flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the initial establishment, making it ideal for gardeners looking for plants that do not demand a lot of time and resources.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is not appealing to deer, which makes it a good choice for areas where deer browsing is an issue.
- Long Blooming Season: 'Hot Trumpets' has a lengthy blooming period that can extend from late spring through fall, providing long-lasting color in the landscape.
- Compact Growth Habit: Its tidy and compact growth makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, or as part of a mixed container.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking red flowers and lush foliage, it adds visual interest and aesthetic value to any garden space.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil, giving it versatility in different garden conditions.
- Easy to Propagate: Salvia roemeriana 'Hot Trumpets' can be easily propagated from cuttings or division, making it simple to expand your garden or share with fellow gardeners.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return year after year, providing a stable structure in the perennial bed or border.
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: Cedar Sage's vibrant flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of warm hues.
- In craft work: The colorful flowers can be pressed and used in scrapbooking or decoupage to add natural beauty to art projects.
- Ephemeral tattoo ink: The juice from the flowers may be used for creating temporary tattoos, providing a natural alternative to synthetic inks.
- Floral arrangement enhancement: The intense red blooms can be used to create dramatic accents in cut flower arrangements.
- Photography subject: Cedar Sage, with its striking flowers, can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Culinary presentation: While not commonly consumed, the flowers could be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts to provide a splash of color (only after ensuring they are safe to eat).
- Symbolic plantings: In a garden, Cedar Sage can be used to symbolize warmth and enthusiasm due to its fiery red flowers.
- Garden border color theme: The plant can be integrated into garden borders to create a red-themed color scheme or a hot-toned garden spot.
- Educational tool: Can be used in educational settings to teach about plant pollination, as it is attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Artisanal paper making: The flowers and leaves can be incorporated into hand-made paper, giving it a unique texture and color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cedar Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cedar Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, commonly known as sage, has been associated with healing properties throughout history. 'Hot Trumpets,' with its vibrant colors, can symbolize the rejuvenation of the body or spirit.
- Wisdom: Sage represents wisdom and good judgment, suggesting a connection to the wise use of powerful energy and vibrant life.
- Protection: Traditionally, sage has been used in various cultures for protection against evil; 'Hot Trumpets' may symbolize safeguarding against negative influences.
- Longevity: The enduring nature of sage plants, which can thrive in harsh conditions, often stands for longevity and survival.
- Purity: The clean, robust scent of sage, along with its purifying presence used in rituals, makes it a symbol of purity and cleansing.
WaterCedar Sage requires regular watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during its blooming season in the spring and summer. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, approximately once a week. During hotter, dryer periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant per watering session, ensuring you water deeply to encourage strong root growth. During the winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, as the plant's water needs decrease significantly during dormancy.
LightCedar Sage thrives in conditions where it can receive partial shade to full sun, although in hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial. The best spot for this plant would be where it receives morning sunlight and protection from the intense heat of late-day sun. An east or southeast-facing garden would be ideal, as would a spot underneath high trees with dappled sunlight.
TemperatureCedar Sage is adapted to a wide range of temperatures but performs best when the daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. The plant can handle minimum temperatures down to about 10°F, making it suitable for cooler climates, but should be protected from prolonged freezing conditions. Maximum temperature tolerance is around 90°F, above which Cedar Sage may require additional shade and water to remain healthy.
PruningCedar Sage should be pruned to encourage bushiness and to remove spent flower spikes, which can promote a second bloom in the same season. Prune the plant early in the growing season and after the first flush of flowers has faded. Deadheading or cutting back by up to one-third can stimulate new growth and additional flowering. Regular pruning is also beneficial in maintaining the plant's shape and preventing it from becoming leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCedar Sage or Salvia roemeriana 'Hot Trumpets' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.1 to 7.0). An ideal soil mixture can be made from equal parts of garden soil, coarse sand, and organic compost to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingCedar Sage typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It should be repotted if you notice the roots are crowding the pot or the plant is not thriving as well as expected.
Humidity & MistingCedar Sage does well in moderate humidity levels, but it is a relatively drought-tolerant plant that does not require high humidity. Aim to maintain humidity levels that replicate a dry, natural habitat without being excessively dry or humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cedar Sage in bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleCedar sage 'Hot Trumpets' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown, germinates in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, developing into a young plant with a basic structure of leaves and a root system. As it enters the vegetative growth stage, the plant produces more leaves and stems, growing larger and more robust in preparation for flowering. The flowering stage is marked by the development of bright red, trumpet-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators and allowing for cross-pollination. Following pollination, the plant sets seed, which will mature and, once dispersed, has the potential to create new plants. Eventually, the plant enters a period of senescence, where it may die back, particularly if it is an annual or a perennial in a cold climate, although the seeds ensure the continuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia roemeriana 'Hot Trumpets', commonly known as Cedar Sage, is best propagated through stem cuttings. This technique is popular for its simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate Cedar Sage from cuttings, you should take a healthy stem cutting about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long in the late spring or early summer. The cutting should have several leaves and be cut just below a leaf node. You then remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, dip the cut end in rooting hormone for better results, and place it into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet, and place the pot in a warm area with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually hardened off and then transplanted outside.
