Peter Vidgeon Sage Salvia × jamensis 'Peter Vidgeon'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Peter Vidgeon' is a striking perennial plant known for its attractive display of flowers and foliage. This plant showcases an array of tubular flowers that exhibit a soft, rosy-pink color paired with a delicate hint of lavender. The blooms, densely packed on spikes, are known for their vivid coloration and their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. The contrast of the flowers is enhanced by the plant's aromatic leaves, which are typically green with a fine texture and may give off a pleasant fragrance when disturbed. The flowers of Salvia 'Peter Vidgeon' are a standout feature that bloom profusely under the right conditions, creating a long-lasting floral display. The plant presents a bushy and mounding habit, making it an excellent choice for borders, gardens, or as a visual accent in outdoor spaces. The flowers' slender form adds a soft, vertical element to the plant's overall appearance, contributing to its aesthetic appeal. It's worth noting that while the beauty of this plant is undeniable, no mention of specific measurements related to its size is provided in this description.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Peter Vidgeon Sage, Jamensis Hybrid Sage
Common names
Salvia × jamensis 'Peter Vidgeon'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Sage generally has low toxicity to humans. Although sage is commonly used in cooking as a herb, consuming it in large quantities could potentially cause adverse effects due to various compounds present in the plant, such as thujone. However, Salvia × jamensis 'Peter Vidgeon', specifically, does not have well-documented cases of poisoning in humans, and typical use as an ornamental garden plant poses little risk if not ingested in large amounts. In the case of consuming large quantities of sage, symptoms could potentially include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and agitation, although such an occurrence from ornamental varieties like 'Peter Vidgeon' is very unlikely.
To pets
Sage, including the variety Salvia × jamensis 'Peter Vidgeon', is generally considered to have low toxicity to pets. This plant is typically grown for ornamental purposes, and there is not a significant amount of information available about its toxicity in pets. However, most pets are unlikely to ingest this plant in large enough quantities to cause harm. In the event that a pet does consume a large amount of sage, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but serious toxicity is unlikely. Always keep an eye on your pet's behavior and contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers of 'Peter Vidgeon' are excellent at attracting bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: This plant adds color and visual interest to gardens with its attractive foliage and flowers, enhancing the beauty of any landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Peter Vidgeon' is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: It typically requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Deer Resistance: This plant is generally resistant to deer, which makes it an ideal choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing can be an issue.
- Herbaceous Perennial: Being a herbaceous perennial, it comes back each year, which means less replanting and long-term value in a garden setting.
- Long Flowering Season: 'Peter Vidgeon' has a prolonged blooming period, offering flowers from late spring through frost in some climates, providing a long-lasting display.
- Versatile Planting Options: It can be used in a variety of settings such as borders, containers, and as ground cover, giving gardeners flexibility in design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia x jamensis 'Peter Vidgeon', also known as the Jame Sage, can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, providing varying shades of blue or green depending on the mordant used.
- The Jame Sage can be planted as part of a companion planting strategy in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, thus supporting the growth of vegetables and other plants.
- Its leaves can be used in potpourris or sachets for their pleasant scent and to repel moths and other insects in wardrobes and drawers.
- Essential oil derived from Jame Sage can be used in homemade perfumes and scented candles, contributing a unique fragrance.
- The flowers can be used in edible landscaping, serving not just an aesthetic purpose but also as a garnish or a colorful addition to salads.
- The plant can be cultivated to serve as a ground cover to control soil erosion on banks or slopes due to its spreading habit.
- Jame Sage can function as a natural barrier or hedge, providing visual interest as well as privacy in a garden setting.
- Dried Jame Sage stems can be used to make herbal wreaths or as part of dried floral arrangements, maintaining color and form for long periods.
- Jame Sage can play a role in permaculture designs, contributing to the garden's biodiversity and resilience.
- Fresh cuttings of Jame Sage can also be used in bouquets for a touch of aroma and bursts of color.
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 - Salvia plants are often associated with healing due to their medicinal properties that have been recognized through history. The name 'Salvia' comes from the Latin 'salvare', meaning 'to save' or 'to heal'.
- Wisdom - In the past, Salvia was associated with wisdom and longevity. People believed that it could enhance memory and cognitive abilities. Sage, the most common common name for Salvia, is synonymous with wisdom.
- Protection - Sage has been used in various cultures for cleansing and purifying spaces, believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against negative energies.
- Longevity - The plant is believed to promote a long life, possibly because of its health-promoting properties that are associated with vitality and well-being.
- Spirituality - Salvia, especially in the form of white sage, has historical significance in Native American rituals and is used to promote spiritual balance and connection to the spiritual world.
WaterAutumn Sage should be watered deeply once a week during its active growing season in the spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In the cooler fall and winter months, reduce watering to every two to three weeks depending on the local climate and weather conditions. Generally, it is best to provide about 1 inch of water per week, which translates to around 0.6 gallons for a small to medium-sized plant. Be cautious of overwatering as Autumn Sage prefers well-drained soil and could develop root rot if left in standing water.
LightAutumn Sage thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to flourish and produce abundant flowers. It's best planted in a spot where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, avoiding shaded areas which can lead to poor bloom production and lanky growth. If you live in a particularly hot climate, some afternoon shade can help protect the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureAutumn Sage is hardy and can handle temperatures as low as 20°F but prefers a range between 60°F and 85°F for optimal growth. Extreme cold or heat can be detrimental, so it is best to protect the plant from frost and excessive heat waves. They enjoy warmth but require good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, so avoid overly humid environments.
PruningPrune Autumn Sage in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins, to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or dying branches and cut back about one-third of the plant to promote healthy new stems and abundant blooms. Pruning is typically needed once per year, but periodic deadheading during the blooming season can help encourage more flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJame Sage prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and compost. The best soil pH for optimal growth is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A quality potting mix amended with perlite and organic material can facilitate healthy growth.
RepottingJame Sage should be repotted once it outgrows its current container, which is generally every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingJame Sage thrives in average humidity levels typically found in outdoor environments. They are relatively drought-tolerant plants and do not require high humidity to grow well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × jamensis 'Peter Vidgeon', also known as Jame Sage, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil and germinate, usually in spring when temperatures are mild. Seedlings soon emerge and, with adequate light, moisture, and nutrition, the young plants grow rapidly, developing characteristic square stems and opposite leaves. The plant reaches maturity in its first growing season, producing vibrant, tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers produce small nutlet fruits containing seeds that can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, allowing the cycle to begin anew. Over the winter or dry seasons, Jame Sage may die back, especially in cooler climates, but it can resurface from its perennial roots or self-sow from dropped seeds in the spring. Proper pruning and maintenance can encourage vibrant growth and blooms in the subsequent season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Salvia × jamensis 'Peter Vidgeon', commonly known as the 'Peter Vidgeon' sage, is typically propagated through semi-ripe stem cuttings during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. To propagate this plant, one would cut a 4- to 6-inch (10-15 cm) long stem, strip the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. This treated cutting is then inserted into a well-draining, sandy soil mix in a pot. The cutting should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight to encourage rooting. The roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.
