Salvia Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed'
![sage 'Phoenix Mixed'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b567667baf.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed' is a striking plant known for its vibrant and colorful flowers. Typically, this variety of Salvia bears blooms in a range of shades, which can include bold reds, purples, blues, pinks, and whites. The flowers are produced in dense spikes that rise above the foliage, creating a stunning visual effect as if a phoenix’s tail is on display, hence the cultivar name. Each individual flower is tubular and lipped, providing an ornamental look that is highly attractive to pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. The leaves of Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed' are usually green, arranged in an opposite manner along the square stems that are characteristic of plants in the mint family. The foliage may exhibit a textured appearance, with a fine layer of hair-like structures and an overall ovate to lanceolate shape, often with a serrated edge. The color display and the arrangement of the blooms make Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and vertical interest to their garden beds or borders.
About this plant
Names
Family
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Scarlet Sage, Red Salvia, Tropical Sage.
Common names
Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed'
Toxicity
To humans
Sage 'Phoenix Mixed' is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, some people might experience mild discomfort, such as an upset stomach, if they ingest large amounts of the plant.
To pets
Sage 'Phoenix Mixed' is also not generally considered toxic to pets. However, as with humans, consuming large quantities may cause minor digestive upset in some animals. It's always a good idea to monitor your pet and consult a veterinarian if you observe any unusual symptoms after ingestion.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
18 inches (45 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits
- Easy to grow: Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed' is known for its hardiness and ability to flourish with minimal care, making it ideal for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Attracts pollinators: The vibrant flowers of Salvia attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting pollination and biodiversity in gardens.
- Extended blooming period: Salvia plants generally have a long flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden for many months.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed' is resilient to periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient landscaping.
- Colorful display: With a mix of bright flower colors, it adds a striking visual appeal to garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Versatile: This plant can be used in a variety of garden settings, from mixed perennial borders to patio containers.
- Low maintenance: Requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and deadheading, Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed' is a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Attracting beneficial insects: Salvia often attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators which can improve the health of your garden ecosystem by helping with pollination of other plants.
- Natural dye: The flowers of the Salvia can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of colors including blues, purples, and greens.
- Aromatherapy: The scented varieties of Salvia can be used in aromatherapy for their calming and relaxing fragrance when the leaves or flowers are dried and added to potpourri or sachets.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried Salvia flowers can be used in bouquets or floral arrangements to add a touch of color and unique texture.
- Garden aesthetic: With their vibrant hues, Salvia can be used to create visually appealing garden patterns and borders that enhance the overall aesthetic of a landscape design.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of Salvia can be used as an attractive garnish for various dishes, adding a dash of color and a subtle herbal flavor.
- Companion planting: Salvia can be grown alongside vegetables to help deter pests, as their strong scent is unappealing to many garden pests.
- Education and Research: Salvia species can be used for educational purposes to study plant biology, pollination, and horticulture.
- Crafting: Dried Salvia flowers and leaves can be used in crafting, such as in the creation of natural wreaths, bookmarks, or decorative pressed flower art.
- Photography: The striking colors of Salvia make them ideal subjects for botanical photography, contributing to the documentation of plant diversity and garden aesthetics.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Wisdom and Virtue: The genus name Salvia is derived from the Latin word "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal," reflecting the historical use of some Salvia species in healing and medicine, symbolizing wisdom and the search for truth.
- Longevity: Salvia plants are known for their longevity and enduring flowers. They symbolize the wish for a long and healthy life.
- Immortality: The enduring nature of the Salvia's bloom has also been associated with immortality, reflecting the desire for an everlasting spirit or legacy.
Water
For the Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed', commonly known as Scarlet Sage or Annual Salvia, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In hot, dry climates, water may be required more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. Annual Salvia prefers not to be left dry for prolonged periods, but overwatering can be just as harmful as under watering. If the plants are in containers, they may need to be watered more often, especially if the weather is particularly hot or windy.
Light
Scarlet Sage thrives in full sun conditions, so place it in a spot where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Too little light can result in a leggy plant with poor flowering. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is typically the best spot for ample sunlight. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent scorching.
Temperature
Scarlet Sage prefers warm temperatures and is generally grown as an annual in cooler climates. It can withstand a wide temperature range, but growth and flowering are optimal when the daytime temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, as it is not frost-tolerant. Planting should occur after the danger of frost has passed in the spring, and the plant will thrive until the first frost of fall.
Pruning
Pruning Scarlet Sage promotes bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the plants in the spring to encourage branching, and deadhead spent blooms regularly to prolong the flowering period. Pruning is also beneficial for preventing the plant from becoming too leggy. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins, but light pruning and deadheading can be done throughout the growing season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Salvia, commonly known as sage, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter. A balanced soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Incorporate perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and add compost to provide nutrients.
Repotting
Salvias should be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure they have enough room to grow and that the soil remains fertile and well-draining. Repot in spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & Misting
Salvias prefer moderate humidity levels and typically do well with the ambient humidity found in outdoor gardens or inside most homes. They do not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Keep Salvia in bright, indirect light indoors and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Salvias need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil outdoors.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycle
Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed', commonly known as Sage, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in the spring. Upon germination, the seeds develop into seedlings, exhibiting cotyledons before the true leaves emerge. The vegetative growth stage follows, where the plant develops a robust stem structure, and foliage growth is prioritized, leading to the formation of a bushy plant. As the sage enters the reproductive stage, flower spikes produce colorful blooms attractive to pollinators, which is usually in late spring or early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into seeds, completing the cycle. The plant may then enter a period of dormancy in colder climates or continue to grow in warmer regions where it can be a perennial.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed', otherwise known as sage, is by seed. To propagate sage, start by sowing seeds indoors in early spring, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use a well-draining seed starting mix, and lightly cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil. Moisten the soil but be careful not to overwater, as sage seeds are prone to rot in overly wet conditions. Maintain a temperature within the range of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius), as germination is best within this range. Seedlings usually emerge within 2 to 3 weeks and can be transplanted outside after the risk of frost has passed and seedlings have reached a robust size.