Mulberry Jam Sage Salvia 'Mulberry Jam'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Mulberry Jam' features striking flowers with a rich, deep purple hue that resembles the color of mulberry jam - a luscious blend of dark reds and purples. The flowers form in whorls along lengthy spikes that rise prominently above the foliage. This visual spectacle usually occurs during the late spring to early summer and can continue blooming into the fall with proper care. The foliage of 'Mulberry Jam' itself is an attractive backdrop to its floral display, with broad, slightly wrinkled leaves that have a slightly velvety texture. The leaves are a rich green, which contrasts beautifully with the vivid flowers. This perennial tends to have an upright, clump-forming habit, with a bushy and robust character, providing a dense mat of foliage at the base from which the flower spikes emerge. Additionally, the plant may attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to the garden, adding to its charm. The overall appearance of Salvia 'Mulberry Jam' is one of vibrant color and lush vegetation, making it a standout choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of dramatic color to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Mulberry Jam Sage, Mulberry Jam Salvia
Common names
Salvia 'Mulberry Jam'
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Mulberry Jam' is a variety of Sage. Typically, Sage is not considered toxic to humans when consumed in normal culinary quantities. It is widely used as a kitchen herb. However, consuming it in large amounts or the concentrated essential oil may lead to toxicity. If Salvia is ingested in excessive quantities, symptoms may include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. Long-term, high dosage use might lead to more severe symptoms such as rapid heart rate or seizures. People with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, or those taking certain medications should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming it in medicinal amounts.
To pets
Sage, the plant group to which Salvia 'Mulberry Jam' belongs, is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for dogs and cats, and is often used in small quantities in cooking without issue. However, as with humans, ingestion of large amounts of the plant, especially the essential oil, could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet consumes a large quantity of Sage, including the Salvia 'Mulberry Jam' variety, monitoring for any symptoms of distress and consulting with a veterinarian is advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia 'Mulberry Jam' flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate gardens and ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this variety of sage is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Long Blooming: It produces flowers from late spring to frost, providing vibrant colors in the garden throughout the growing season.
- Ease of Care: This plant is generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in an appropriate location with well-draining soil.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its deep purple to mulberry-colored flowers, Salvia 'Mulberry Jam' is a striking addition to landscapes, borders, and containers, offering an aesthetic value to garden designs.
- Deer Resistant: It is less palatable to deer than other garden plants, which can be advantageous in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Fragrance: The foliage of the plant is aromatic, and it can add a pleasant scent to the garden, especially when leaves are brushed or crushed.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for use in a variety of garden styles including cottage gardens, perennial borders, and as a complement to other plants in mixed beds.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other sages, Salvia 'Mulberry Jam' is not known to be invasive and tends to stay where it is planted, making garden management easier.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Mulberry Jam leaves and flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding subtle shades of blue, purple, or green.
- Insect repellent sachets: Dried leaves of Mulberry Jam can be placed in sachets to repel moths and other insects from wardrobes and drawers.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil from the Mulberry Jam plant may be used in aromatherapy for its soothing and calming scent.
- Culinary garnishes: The colorful flowers can be used as edible garnishes in salads and as decorations on cakes and other desserts.
- Floral arrangements: Both its flowers and foliage can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements to add a touch of color and fragrance to a room.
- Craft projects: The dried flowers and leaves can be incorporated into papermaking, adding texture and color to handmade papers.
- Homemade potpourri: Dried Mulberry Jam flowers and leaves can be mixed with other botanicals to create a fragrant potpourri.
- Natural pest control: When planted in the garden, Mulberry Jam may help deter deer and rabbits with its aromatic properties.
- Photography: The vibrant blooms and textured leaves of the Mulberry Jam make it an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of the Mulberry Jam flowers can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSalvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySalvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom - Salvia comes from the Latin word "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal," so it often symbolizes wisdom and is associated with a long life full of knowledge.
- Healing - Historically, many Salvia species have been used for medicinal purposes, hence it carries the symbolism of healing and health.
- Spirituality - Sage, a common name for Salvia, is often used in spiritual practices for purification and to ward off evil spirits, symbolizing spiritual peace and cleansing.
- Immortality - Due to its longevity and perennial nature, sage can represent immortality and the eternal cycle of life.
- Protection - Sage is commonly used in rituals and is believed to offer protection against negative influences.
WaterFor the 'Mulberry Jam' Salvia, it is essential to maintain consistent soil moisture particularly during its first growing season. Watering deeply once a week should suffice, but during periods of extreme heat or drought, you might need to water twice a week. A good rule of thumb is to apply approximately 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it reaches the deep roots. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant early in the morning. During the winter months when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot.
LightThe 'Mulberry Jam' Salvia thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in a south-facing garden that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade will help protect it from intense heat stress.
Temperature'Mulberry Jam' Salvia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but grows best in areas where the average temperature hovers between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers not to have prolonged freezes. During the summer months, it can handle temperatures up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit without stress.
PruningPrune 'Mulberry Jam' Salvia to encourage bushiness and more blooms, and to remove any spent flower spikes. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth begins or immediately after the first flush of flowers fade. Cut the plant back by about one-third its height, and deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. A second, lighter prune can be done in late summer if the plant becomes leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMulberry Jam Sage prefers a well-draining soil mix with loamy or sandy texture, rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH should range from 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingMulberry Jam Sage should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot to maintain healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingMulberry Jam Sage thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good air flow, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Mulberry Jam', commonly known as Mulberry Jam Sage, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically in early spring under suitable temperatures and moisture conditions. After germination, the seedlings grow into young plants with characteristic square stems and foliage of the mint family, to which they belong. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which it develops a robust root system and lush, aromatic leaves. This sage then reaches the flowering stage, producing spikes of deep, mulberry-colored flowers that attract a variety of pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. In adverse conditions or at the end of the growing season, Mulberry Jam Sage may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, only to resume growth when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Salvia 'Mulberry Jam', commonly known as sage, is best propagated in spring through spring to early summer using semi-hardwood cuttings. To propagate this way, one would cut a piece of stem around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring a few sets of leaves are present. The lower leaves should be removed and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks, after which the new sage plant can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot for further growth.
