Jezebel Sage Salvia 'Jezebel'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Jezebel' is recognized for its vibrant and showy flower display, which can add splashes of color to any garden or landscape. It has sturdy stems that hold up the profuse blooms gracefully. The flowers themselves are typically a vivid color, often in shades of red or pink, and they grow in eye-catching spikes that can draw in both human admirers and pollinators like bees and butterflies. The foliage of Salvia 'Jezebel' is attractive as well, with leaves that are usually green and can have a textured or slightly hairy appearance. The leaf shape is generally elongated with a well-defined edge, which can sometimes be toothed or slightly serrated, offering a delightful contrast to the softness of the blooms. During the flowering season, the plant becomes a centrepiece thanks to its flourishing flowers that rise above the foliage. In browsing over the plant, the overall form of Salvia 'Jezebel' is upright and clumping, and it bears a well-arranged structure of leaves and flower spikes. This plant is cherished for its prolonged bloom time and its ability to resist most pests and diseases, making it not only a beautiful but also a resilient addition to gardens. When in full bloom, Salvia 'Jezebel' truly is a standout with its richly colored flowers and complementary greenery.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Jezebel Sage
Common names
Salvia 'Jezebel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Jezebel', commonly known as sage, generally exhibits a low level of toxicity to humans. If ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or vomiting. There are no severe toxic effects expected for humans from consuming this plant in typical amounts.
To pets
The common sage, including the 'Jezebel' variety, is considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, if a pet consumes a large amount of sage, it may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, manifesting as vomiting or diarrhea. In normal amounts used for culinary purposes, sage is unlikely to cause any significant harm to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Salvia 'Jezebel' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, which is vital for pollination.
- Easy to care for: This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, Salvia 'Jezebel' has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Colorful blooms: It produces vibrant red flowers that can add a splash of color to garden beds, borders, or containers.
- Long blooming period: The plant has a long flowering season, often from late spring to frost, providing extended interest in the garden.
- Deer-resistant: Salvia 'Jezebel' is generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Good for cut flowers: The stems and flowers of Salvia 'Jezebel' are sturdy and long-lasting, making them suitable for cut flower arrangements.
- Provides structure: With its upright growth habit, it can add vertical interest to garden design and help define spaces within the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia 'Jezebel' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, imparting subtle hues to textiles depending on the mordant used.
- The crushed leaves of Salvia 'Jezebel' may serve as a pest deterrent when spread around other plants vulnerable to insect infestation.
- When dried and woven, the stems of Salvia 'Jezebel' can be used to create rustic wreaths or other decorative items.
- The vibrant flowers of Salvia 'Jezebel' are suitable for creating natural confetti for celebrations, as they are biodegradable and add a splash of color.
- Salvia 'Jezebel' flowers can be used as a garnish or an ornamental addition to salads for an edible aesthetic appeal.
- During art projects, the pressed flowers of Salvia 'Jezebel' can be used in creating botanical prints or for embellishing handmade paper.
- In culinary practices, the leaves of Salvia 'Jezebel' could be used to infuse syrups or sugars with a unique flavor, although it's essential to ensure the plant is safe for consumption.
- Salvia 'Jezebel's fragrant leaves may be included in potpourri mixes to add a fresh and herby scent to a room.
- The plant can be used in companion planting, providing benefits such as attracting pollinators or repelling certain pests naturally.
- Salvia 'Jezebel' can contribute to erosion control in garden landscapes due to its root system, which helps stabilize soil on slopes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia is commonly known as sage, which has been symbolized for its healing properties, both physical and spiritual, often used in cleansing rituals.
- Wisdom: Sage represents wisdom and is often associated with the wisdom of age and experience.
- Protection: Carrying a long history of being used in protective rituals, sage is thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
- Longevity: The resilience and hardiness of sage plants have made them symbols of longevity and immortality in various cultures.
- Purification: Sage's strong aromatic quality is symbolic of purification and the cleansing of a space or person’s aura.
WaterJezebel Sage should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During hot or dry periods, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, which helps prevent disease. If grown in containers, Jezebel Sage will require more frequent watering, possibly every few days, to ensure consistent soil moisture.
LightJezebel Sage prefers full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in an area where it can receive ample morning light and protection from the intense afternoon sun in hotter climates. A bright spot without shadowing from taller plants will yield the best flowering results for your Jezebel Sage.
TemperatureJezebel Sage thrives in temperature conditions between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimal winter temperatures down to around 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but well-established plants are more likely to survive occasional cold snaps. To flourish, maintain consistent warmth, avoiding locations where the temperature frequently dips below the minimum range.
PruningPruning Jezebel Sage encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Prune lightly in early spring to remove any winter damage and shape the plant. Also, deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season will promote continued flowering. The best time for a more substantial prune is after the last frost when new growth is observed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScarlet Sage requires well-draining soil with a pH of approximately 6.0 to 7.0. For the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part compost or peat for organic matter. This mixture ensures proper drainage while retaining adequate moisture and providing essential nutrients.
RepottingScarlet Sage should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to give the plant a healthy start for the growing season.
Humidity & MistingScarlet Sage thrives in moderate humidity conditions, generally around 40% to 60%. It is adaptable to typical household humidity levels but should be sheltered from extremely dry or overly humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
In full sun, ensure soil drainage, and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Jezebel', commonly known as Jezebel Sage, starts its life cycle as a seed, which upon encountering favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling then develops into a young plant with characteristic foliage and begins the vegetative growth phase, producing stems and leaves as it matures. During the flowering stage, Jezebel Sage produces vibrant, colorful flowers that attract pollinators, a critical phase for the plant's reproductive cycle. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods, which eventually dry out and release seeds, thus completing the life cycle. Throughout its life, Jezebel Sage may experience a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates where it may die back to the ground before regrowing in spring. The plant can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings, bypassing the seed stage for faster cultivation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Salvia 'Jezebel', commonly known as Scarlet Sage, is most commonly propagated by stem cuttings. This method is usually undertaken in spring or early summer to allow sufficient time for the cuttings to root and become established. To propagate, a gardener would take a healthy stem cutting about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) in length, making sure it includes a couple of leaf nodes. The cutting's lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Then, the prepared cutting is inserted into a moist potting mix, ensuring the leaf nodes are buried as these are the points where new roots will develop. The pot should be placed in indirect light and kept consistently moist. Rooting generally takes 3 to 4 weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
