Jame Sage Salvia × jamensis 'Javier'
ABOUT
Salvia × jamensis 'Javier', commonly known as Javier Sage, displays a striking appearance characterized by its vibrant and colorful attributes. This attractive plant bears a profusion of flowers that usually appear in a mix of warm hues, often showcasing a blend of red, pink, or coral tones. Each flower exhibits a tubular structure that is poised elegantly on slim inflorescences which rise above the foliage, attracting a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. The blossoms are typically small to medium in size and are neatly arranged in whorls along the stems, creating a visually compelling display. The leaves of Javier Sage are equally appealing, contributing a lush background for the bright flowers. The foliage is aromatic, with a scent that is often described as pleasantly herbal or slightly pungent when crushed or brushed against. The leaves themselves are typically green, sometimes possessing a grayish tinge, and have a textured surface with a fine, almost velvety feel. They are commonly shaped in an ovate to lanceolate form with somewhat scalloped or serrated edges, giving them a delicate and intricate appearance. Together, the richly colored flowers and the scented, textured leaves create a harmonious contrast that makes Javier Sage a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a burst of color and sensory experience to their gardens. This sage variety is a perennial, which means it can provide years of enjoyment with its repeated seasonal blooming and evergreen foliage in milder climates, adding long-lasting interest to any planting space.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Javier Sage, Autumn Sage, Jame Sage
Common names
Salvia × jamensis 'Javier'
- Toxicity
To humans
Salvia × jamensis 'Javier', commonly referred to as Sage, is not typically known for being toxic to humans. Most species of sage are considered non-toxic and are in fact often used as culinary herbs. However, consuming large quantities of sage could potentially cause adverse effects due to the presence of compounds such as thujone, which in high amounts can be toxic. Symptoms of thujone toxicity could include vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart rate, restlessness, tremors, and seizures. It is rare for these symptoms to occur from the typical culinary use of sage, but caution should be exercised if consuming sage for medicinal purposes or in large quantities.
To pets
Salvia × jamensis 'Javier', commonly referred to as Sage, is generally not toxic to pets. Most varieties of sage are safe for dogs and cats, and are not known to cause poisoning when ingested in small amounts. However, like in humans, large ingestion of sage could potentially lead to symptoms of toxicity such as gastrointestinal upset or central nervous system effects because of compounds like thujone. These symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, symptoms such as tremors or seizures may occur. Pet owners should monitor their animals' sage intake and consult a veterinarian if they suspect their pet has eaten a large amount of the plant or is showing signs of illness.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Salvia × jamensis 'Javier' adds visual interest to the garden with its colorful and abundant flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is a valuable plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is highly tolerant of drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, which can save time and effort in garden maintenance.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return each year, offering long-term presence in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: Salvia × jamensis 'Javier' is known to be resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
- Fast Growth: It is a relatively fast-growing plant, allowing for quick establishment and filling in garden spaces.
- Container Gardening: Can be successfully grown in pots or containers, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides seasonal interest with blooming in late spring through autumn depending on the climate.
- Fragrant Foliage: The plant's foliage is fragrant, adding a pleasant scent to the garden when brushed against or crushed.
- 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
- Salvia × jamensis 'Javier' can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing hues ranging from green to yellow depending on mordants used.
- The plant's aromatic leaves can be placed in drawers and closets as a natural moth repellent to protect clothing.
- Its flowers can be pressed and used in decorative crafts such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking.
- Fresh or dried flowers of the salvia can be incorporated into potpourris for a refreshing and long-lasting fragrance in the home.
- The stems of Javier Sage can be woven into small decorative wreaths or used in floral arrangements for rustic decor.
- Plant extracts are sometimes used in natural cleaning products for their antiseptic properties and pleasant scent.
- Javier Sage can be used in companion planting to attract pollinators, thereby benefiting the garden eco-system.
- The leaves can be used to infuse oils and vinegars, imparting a unique flavor for culinary use in dressings and marinades.
- It can be planted as part of a green roof garden for its drought-resistant properties and to contribute to urban biodiversity.
- The dense foliage may serve as a ground cover in landscaping to help prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Healing - Salvia, commonly known as sage, has a long history in various cultures for its healing properties, both medicinal and spiritual.
- Wisdom - Sage is often associated with wisdom and knowledge, reflecting the Latin origin of its name, Salvia, derived from 'salvere', which means 'to save' or 'to heal'.
- Longevity - Sage has been symbolically linked to longevity, perhaps because of its health-related benefits and its hardy nature.
- Protection - In many traditions, sage has been used for protection against evil and to cleanse spaces of negative energies.
- Purification - The act of smudging, or burning sage, is intended to purify the mind, body and spirit, making it a symbol of cleanliness and sacredness.
- Water
For Jame Sage (common name for Salvia × jamensis 'Javier'), it is important to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and season, so monitoring the soil moisture is key. Use enough water to moisten the soil without saturating it, which often amounts to about a gallon depending on the size of the plant and the pot. Make sure the pot has good drainage to avoid waterlogging the roots. During the growing season in spring and summer, water requirements may increase, while during the winter, you should reduce watering frequency.
- Light
Jame Sage thrives in full sunlight, so placing the plant in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. An east or south-facing window is a good indoor location, while an unobstructed spot that gets plenty of sun is perfect for outdoor planting. Avoid locations with harsh midday sun that could scorch the leaves in extremely hot climates.
- Temperature
Jame Sage prefers temperatures between 60°F and 70°F during the day and can tolerate nighttime dips down to 50°F. Although it can withstand temperatures down to around 20°F for short periods, it's best to protect the plant from frost. The ideal temperature range for robust growth is between 60°F and 85°F.
- Pruning
Pruning Jame Sage encourages fuller growth and more vigorous blooming. Prune in early spring before new growth appears, cutting back about one-third of the plant to maintain its shape and prevent woody stems. Additionally, deadheading or removing spent flowers during the blooming season can stimulate continuous blooms. It is usually not necessary to prune more than once or twice a year.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Sage 'Javier' prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal to ensure good drainage and nutrient content. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Repotting
Sage 'Javier' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Spring is the best time to repot to allow the plant to establish in the new container before winter.
- Humidity & Misting
Sage 'Javier' is drought-tolerant and does best in low to moderate humidity levels. It does not require high humidity and can thrive in the typical ambient humidity of most homes and gardens.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Sage 'Javier' in bright light and well-draining soil indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Sage 'Javier' in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Salvia × jamensis 'Javier', commonly known as Javier Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown in early spring under controlled conditions before the last frost. Once germinated, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing true leaves and a strong root system, and are usually ready to be transplanted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. During the vegetative stage, Javier Sage focuses on leaf growth and establishing a robust, bushy habit, with full sun and well-draining soil promoting optimal health. The reproductive stage follows, usually in late spring to early summer, when Javier Sage produces colorful flowers that attract pollinators and set seed for the next generation. After blooming, if conditions are favorable, the plant can experience multiple bloom cycles through the growing season. Finally, as a perennial, Javier Sage enters a period of dormancy in the winter, with colder climates necessitating mulch or frost protection, and with the return of warmer temperatures, the plant emerges from dormancy to begin the cycle anew.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Salvia × jamensis 'Javier', also commonly known as Javier Sage, is through softwood cuttings. Early to mid-spring is generally the best time for propagation when the plant’s growth is most vigorous. To propagate using softwood cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and make a cut to obtain a length of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters). The cut should be made just below a node, and the lower leaves should be stripped off. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development, then plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept moist and in indirect light until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being planted in its final location.