Madeline Salvia Salvia 'Madeline' (PBR)
ABOUT
Salvia 'Madeline' is a striking perennial known for its striking flower display. This particular salvia variety showcases beautiful bicolored blooms. The flowers are presented in vertical spikes and have an eye-catching pattern of white and deep blue or purple, lending a unique look to any garden when in bloom. The base of each flower is typically a deep shade, with the upper half transitioning to a pure white. The foliage of Salvia 'Madeline' is equally attractive, with bright green leaves that have a slightly textured surface and a lance-shaped appearance. The leaves often form a dense clump, creating an attractive backdrop for the vibrant flower spikes. This plant often forms an upright habit, with the flowering spikes rising gracefully above the bulk of the foliage. Much like other salvias, it can be a magnet for pollinators, providing a good source of nectar to bees, butterflies, and sometimes hummingbirds. Overall, Salvia 'Madeline' showcases a delightful contrast of colors that is both elegant and refreshing, bringing height, color, and vertical lines to a garden design without referring to its specific dimensions in units of measurement.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Madeline Sage, Bicolored Sage.
Common names
Salvia 'Madeline' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Madeline' is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, many species of the genus Salvia are considered non-toxic and some are even used in cooking and herbal medicine. However, individual reactions can vary and it is always wise to avoid ingesting plants not specifically grown for consumption. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, you should contact a medical professional.
To pets
Salvia 'Madeline' is not known to be toxic to pets either. Most Salvia species are generally considered safe for pets, but as with humans, it’s best to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for animal consumption. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Salvia 'Madeline' is popular among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the local ecosystem's health.
- Easy to grow: It is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soils and climates, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought-resistant: Once established, it has low water requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water conservation efforts.
- Long blooming season: The plant has a lengthy flowering period from late spring to early fall, providing extended garden aesthetics and pollinator support.
- Deer-resistant: It is not a preferred food source for deer, which can help maintain the integrity of a garden in areas where deer grazing is a problem.
- Low maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, with occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage more blooms.
- Colorful addition to gardens: The striking two-toned flowers of blue and white add a splash of color and visual interest to any garden setting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia 'Madeline' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing shades of blue, purple, or green depending on the mordant used.
- In ornamental wreath-making, the fresh or dried flowers add color and a pleasant fragrance.
- The blooms can be incorporated into potpourris for their color and mild, sage-like scent.
- Leaves and flowers can be used in floral arrangements to provide an interesting texture and shape contrast to other flowers.
- The plant can serve as a companion plant in the garden, helping to attract bees and beneficial insects that support pollination.
- Pressed flower craft uses the distinctive flowers and foliage to create decorative bookmarks, cards, and wall art.
- As an educational tool in schools, Salvia 'Madeline' can be used to teach children about pollination and plant biology.
- In landscape design, it's used for color-themed gardens, such as a purple and white garden, due to its striking bicolored flowers.
- Fresh Salvia 'Madeline' sprigs can be used as a natural garnish for culinary presentation, though it is not commonly consumed.
- The plant can be used in photography and painting as a subject to study color contrasts and the interplay of light on petals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia plants are often associated with healing due to their use in herbal medicine, representing well-being and recovery.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia stems from the Latin word "salvere" meaning to save or heal, which also implies wisdom and knowledge.
- Protection: In various traditions, Salvia is believed to offer protection against evil and negativity.
- Longevity: Due to its health-associated benefits, Salvia is symbolic of long life and preservation.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: Salvia has been used in spiritual practices for achieving deeper insight and enlightenment.
- Mental Clarity: The plant is thought to clear the mind, promoting clear thoughts and concentration.
WaterThe Bicolour Sage (Salvia 'Madeline') should be watered regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the warmer months. It is recommended to provide deep watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil drainage. Apply approximately one gallon of water per plant each time, making sure to water directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the winter, reduce watering to prevent waterlogged soil, which this plant does not tolerate well.
LightThe Bicolour Sage prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, protection from the harsh afternoon sun is beneficial to prevent foliage burn.
TemperatureBicolour Sage can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20°F, but not for prolonged periods. Extreme cold or frost may damage or kill the plant, while the maximum tolerable temperature can go up to 90°F without adverse effects.
PruningPruning the Bicolour Sage promotes bushier growth and encourages more abundant blooms. It's best to prune in early spring, cutting back the plant to about one-third of its size to remove any winter damage and shape the plant. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, can be done throughout the blooming season to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage further flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Bicolored Sage 'Madeline', a well-draining soil mix is essential. Incorporate peat, perlite, and compost to ensure good aeration and moisture retention. The ideal pH for Bicolored Sage should range between 6.0 to 7.0. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be added to the mix for additional nutrients.
RepottingBicolored Sage 'Madeline' generally should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Choose a new pot that is one size larger than the current one to allow for continued growth.
Humidity & MistingBicolored Sage 'Madeline' thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. Aim for a humidity range around 40-60%, typical of most home environments, to keep the plant healthy.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bicolored Sage in bright, indirect light inside, away from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant Bicolored Sage in a sunny spot with afternoon shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Madeline' begins its life cycle as a seed which upon germination—given the proper temperature, light, and moisture—develops into a seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops a set of true leaves and stems, entering the vegetative stage during which it focuses on growing in size and strength. The transition to the flowering stage occurs when the plant is mature and environmental conditions trigger the development of buds. Salvia 'Madeline' produces distinctive two-tone flowers on tall spikes, typically during late spring to summer. After pollination, often by bees or hummingbirds, the flowers will fade and the plant begins the process of seed formation. At the end of the growing season or upon experiencing stress, the plant will either die back if it is being grown as an annual, or it may enter a period of dormancy if it is being managed as a perennial, before the cycle begins anew the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Salvia 'Madeline' can be propagated primarily through stem cuttings. This popular method involves cutting a healthy, non-flowering stem from the plant during the active growth period in spring or early summer. The cutting, which should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, must include several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new Salvia 'Madeline' plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually planted in the garden.
