Sage Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes'
ABOUT
The Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes' is a vibrant and attractive plant that is part of the sage family. It is characterized by its alluring flowers and lush foliage. The blossoms are a standout feature of this plant, appearing in a mesmerizing, rich pink hue that can resemble a mix between hot pink and salmon. The flowers are tubular in shape and are neatly arranged in whirls along the stem, creating an elegant and eye-catching display that is sure to draw attention. Each flower is supported by a small, dark green calyx which contrasts nicely with the bright pink petals. The plant's foliage is equally impressive, with an abundance of dark green leaves that have a slightly textured surface and an oblong or lance-shaped appearance. The leaves are attached to square stems, a typical characteristic of plants within this family. This Salvia's overall aspect is one of density and fullness, with a bushy growth habit that provides a lush backdrop to the stunning floral show. The combination of vivid flowers and robust foliage makes 'Kisses and Wishes' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscape. The plant is known for its long blooming period, which provides ample time to enjoy its beauty and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees to the garden. 'Kisses and Wishes' is appreciated not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its hardiness, with the plant being quite resilient in the face of various growing conditions. This makes it a suitable addition to a wide range of garden styles and settings, where its radiant blooms can truly shine and bring pleasure throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Wishes Salvia, Kisses And Wishes Sage
Common names
Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes'
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes', commonly known as sage, is not generally considered toxic to humans. Most species of sage are used in cooking and for herbal remedies, and they do not typically cause adverse effects when consumed in normal culinary quantities. However, excessive consumption of some types of sage can lead to symptoms because of the presence of compounds such as thujone. In large amounts, thujone can cause symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart rate, restlessness, or seizures. It is advisable to enjoy sage in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider before using it for medicinal purposes, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant.
To pets
Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes', commonly known as sage for pets, is not generally considered highly toxic. However, as with many plants, sensitivity to sage can vary among different animals, and some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest a significant amount of the plant. Symptoms of such non-severe poisoning could include vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If you suspect your pet has consumed a large amount of sage and is showing adverse symptoms, it is best to contact a veterinarian for advice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color with its striking pink flowers to gardens and landscape designs.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of drought resistance, minimizing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy Maintenance: Generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in the right conditions.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers long-lasting blooms from late spring through autumn, providing extended garden interest.
- Deer Resistant: Its foliage is not preferred by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from wildlife.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, allowing for flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Culinary Use: Flowers can be used as an edible garnish, adding a touch of elegance to dishes.
- Herbal Use: Although not a medical property, the leaves are sometimes used for their fragrance in herbal crafts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: Artists and photographers could be inspired by the vibrant hues of Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes' to create paintings, photographs, and fabric designs.
- Culinary garnish: The colorful flowers can be used to adorn salads and desserts, adding a splash of color to the presentation of various dishes.
- Educational tool: The plant can serve as a learning prop for botany students studying the characteristics of the Lamiaceae family or hybrid plant varieties.
- Dye production: The pigments from the flowers could potentially be used to create natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Floral arrangements: Its striking flowers can be used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements, adding a unique look to bouquets or home decorations.
- Aromatherapy: While not a medical use, the plant's fragrance could be incorporated into aromatherapy practices for its calming scent.
- Eco-printing: Leaves and flowers of the plant may be used for eco-printing, a technique where plant materials are used to leave prints on paper or fabric.
- Motif in design: The shape and color of the Salvias can serve as a motif in decorative patterns, wallpaper designs, or textiles.
- Butterfly garden enhancement: Planting Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes' can attract butterflies, providing a beautiful dynamic to butterfly gardens and habitats.
- Landscape coloring: The plant can serve as a natural colorant to soils or mulches when the petals decompose, potentially influencing the aesthetic of garden beds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: Salvia comes from the Latin word "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal." It symbolizes wisdom, due to its historic association with both healing and longevity.
- Immortality: The plant's longevity and resilience are often seen as a representation of immortality or the quest for a long life.
- Purification: Sage, a common name for plants in the Salvia genus, is commonly used in smudging or cleansing rituals, symbolizing purification and the clearing of negative energy.
- Protection: Sage has also been commonly associated with protection, as it has been used to ward off evil and protect against negative influences.
WaterThe Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes', commonly known as annual sage, should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, especially during hot, dry periods. Typically, watering once a week with approximately 1 inch of water is sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. It's best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. Overhead watering can lead to mildew, so aim the water at the base of the plant using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
LightAnnual sage thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant will perform best in a spot where it receives ample morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. However, too much shade will lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers, so make sure it is planted in a location that is primarily sunny.
TemperatureAnnual sage prefers warm temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10. It can withstand minimum temperatures of around 20°F but will thrive in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. Extreme cold or frost can be detrimental to the plant, so in areas with cold winters, it's treated as an annual or brought indoors to overwinter.
PruningPruning annual sage is essential to maintain a bushy, compact shape and to encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and cut back the plant by one-third to one-half in midsummer to refresh its growth. The best time for heavy pruning is early spring or after the last frost date in your area.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSalvia 'Kisses and Wishes', commonly known as sage, thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. A mix consisting of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand in equal parts creates an ideal growing medium. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to provide adequate nutrients.
RepottingSage should typically be repotted every 1-2 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish its nutrients. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingSage prefers moderate humidity conditions. It can tolerate some dry air but performs best when the humidity level is between 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, protect from strong winds, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Kisses and Wishes', commonly known as Wish Series salvia, starts its life cycle when the seeds germinate, typically in warm, moist soil after the danger of frost has passed. Seedlings emerge and gradually develop into robust plants, exhibiting the distinctive square stems and foliage of the Salvia genus. As it matures, the plant begins to produce tall spikes adorned with tubular flowers in a vivid pink hue, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The flowering stage can last from late spring through fall, with regular deadheading to encourage continued blooming. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for propagation or left to fall and potentially self-sow. As a perennial in warmer climates (USDA zones 9-11) or an annual in cooler regions, it may die back or require overwintering techniques in colder areas to survive and regrow the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Salvia 'Kisses and Wishes', commonly known as Sage, can be propagated most effectively through cuttings. The optimal time to take cuttings for propagation is late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Sage by cuttings, one simply needs to snip off a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, strip the leaves from the bottom half, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This prepared cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leafless part of the stem is buried. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting needs to be placed in a warm environment with indirect sunlight. In a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and can eventually be transplanted into the garden.
