Jame Sage Salvia × jamensis 'Los Lirios'
ABOUT
The 'Los Lirios' variety of sage is a perennial plant known for its attractive features and garden performance. The plant has a mound-forming habit with branching stems, presenting a lush appearance in the garden. The leaves are aromatic when crushed or brushed against, offering a sensory experience. They are typically green with a slightly wrinkled texture, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The standout feature of the 'Los Lirios' sage are the flowers, which bloom in an eye-catching array of colors. The blossoms can be found in various shades, providing a vibrant display that can attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Flowers are small yet numerous, arranged in whorls along the stem, and together they form a spike-like appearance that adds vertical interest to any planting. This sage variety is also tolerant of a range of conditions, though it often prefers sunny locations and well-draining soil. With its colorful flowers and fragrant foliage, 'Los Lirios' is a garden favorite, popular for borders, beds, and containers, adding a touch of beauty to any landscape design.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Jame Sage, James' Sage, Los Lirios Sage
Common names
Salvia × jamensis 'Los Lirios'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly referred to as Sage, within the species Salvia × jamensis, typically does not contain compounds that are highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, some individuals may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have sensitivity to the plant's oils or sap. Ingesting large quantities of Sage (though not common) could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or diarrhea. It is always advisable to be cautious and avoid ingesting garden plants unless they are known to be edible and safe.
To pets
For pets, the Sage plant is not considered highly toxic. However, cats and dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume moderate to large quantities of the plant. Symptoms could include vomiting or diarrhea. As a precaution, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting this plant, especially in large amounts. If your pet does consume Sage and exhibits adverse reactions, contact your veterinarian for advice.
CharacteristicsLife 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
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its striking flowers and foliage.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination of nearby plants.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conservative gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Typically does not require frequent care or trimming, ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
- Deer Resistance: Its foliage and flowers are not preferred by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers flowers over an extended season, often from late spring to the first frost, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Versatility in Landscape: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, such as borders, containers, and as ground cover.
- Herbaceous Perennial: Returns year after year, reducing the need for replanting and providing a consistent presence in 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- Culinary Infusion: Its leaves can be used to infuse beverages and culinary dishes with a subtle mint-like flavor.
- Artistic Inspiration: The vibrant hues and unique structure of 'Los Lirios' make it a beautiful subject for drawing or painting in botanical art.
- Floral Arrangements: Its colorful flowers can be cut and added to bouquets to provide long-lasting color.
- Garden Borders: With its compact growth habit, it serves well as a border or edging plant in garden designs.
- Wildlife Garden: The plant can attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of garden ecosystems.
- Companion Planting: It can be used alongside vegetable crops to attract beneficial insects that help with pollination.
- Aromatic Potpourri: Dried flowers and leaves of the plant can be used to make potpourri, offering a natural way to scent indoor spaces.
- Culinary Garnish: Fresh flowers can add a decorative and edible element to salads and desserts.
- Dye Production: The deep purple and red pigments in the flowers can be used to create natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Education and Research: As a hybrid, it may be utilized for educational purposes, demonstrating plant hybridization and cultivar development.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Many Salvia species are known for their medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and good health.
- Wisdom: The name "Salvia" comes from the Latin "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal," and is often associated with wisdom and sagacity.
- Longevity: Some varieties of Salvia are perennials, representing longevity and enduring life.
- Protection: In traditional lore, Salvia plants are believed to offer protection against evil and negativity.
WaterJames Sage should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering once every 7 to 10 days is usually sufficient, using about 1 gallon of water per plant each time, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more often, while in cooler, wetter periods, you can water less. In the dormant season, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, ensuring not to let the roots sit in waterlogged soil as this can lead to root rot. Adjust the watering frequency based on the plant's appearance and soil moisture level.
LightJames Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant will perform best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. A spot that allows for morning sun with some afternoon shade, or a place that provides dappled sunlight throughout the day, is ideal. Avoiding intense afternoon sun in very hot climates can help prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureJames Sage prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 85°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F, but frost and prolonged cold snaps can damage the plant. To promote the best growth, aim to keep your James Sage in a location where the temperature does not frequently drop below freezing during its active growing season.
PruningPrune James Sage to encourage bushier growth and to remove any spent flower stalks or dead foliage. Pruning is best done in early spring before new growth begins, or right after the first flush of flowers fade. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the flowering season to maintain the plant's shape and encourage continuous blooming. Remove any damaged or diseased stems whenever they are noticed to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Autumn Sage 'Los Lirios' prefers well-draining soil with a mixture of peat, perlite, and compost. Ideal pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingAutumn Sage 'Los Lirios' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingAutumn Sage 'Los Lirios' tolerates typical household humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × jamensis 'Los Lirios' begins its lifecycle with seed germination in warm, well-draining soil, often in spring, which proceeds to a seedling phase characterized by initial leaf growth. As the seedling matures into a young plant, it develops a robust root system and branching stems with aromatic leaves, a stage that can be facilitated by full sun exposure and moderate watering. This perennial herbaceous plant then enters a vegetative stage where it gains height and mass, benefiting from periodic fertilization and pruning to encourage denser growth. The flowering stage typically follows in late spring to summer, presenting a plethora of small, tubular flowers that attract pollinators and are usually shades of red, orange, or pink depending on the variety. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds which can be dispersed for propagation. Seasonally, salvia may enter a dormant phase, especially in cooler climates, during which above-ground growth ceases until favorable growing conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Salvia × jamensis 'Los Lirios', commonly known as Jame Sage, is best propagated by taking stem cuttings in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) length, making sure that it includes several leaf nodes. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development, and insert the stem into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Maintain even moisture and keep the pot in a warm place with indirect light until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Jame Sage plant can be acclimated to outdoor conditions and transplanted to its final location.
