Jamensis Sage Salvia × jamensis 'Raspberry Royale'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Raspberry Royale' is a visually striking plant known for its showy flowers with a rich, raspberry hue. The blooms are characterized by a tubular shape, which makes them particularly attractive to pollinating insects such as bees and hummingbirds. These raspberry-colored blossoms are arranged in whorls that encircle the square stems, a common trait among members of the Salvia family. The flowers emerge from small maroon or dark-colored calyces that add depth and contrast to the vivid floral display. The foliage of 'Raspberry Royale' consists of small to medium-sized leaves that exhibit a somewhat ovate to lanceolate shape. These leaves are typically a rich green color, creating a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers. The texture of the leaves is usually described as slightly wrinkled with fine hairs, providing a soft, tactile experience. The arrangement of the leaves on the stem is opposite, which means they appear in pairs on either side of the stem at the same level. Overall, the appearance of Salvia 'Raspberry Royale' is one of ornamental beauty, thanks to its colorful flowers, contrasting calyces, and lush green foliage. This plant adds a dash of vibrant color to gardens and attracts a variety of wildlife, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a dynamic and wildlife-friendly landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Jame Sage, Raspberry Royale
Common names
Salvia × jamensis 'Raspberry Royale'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Raspberry Royale sage is not known to be toxic to humans. However, ingestion of plant parts in large amounts could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. There are no commonly reported poisoning symptoms from eating this plant.
To pets
Raspberry Royale sage is generally considered non-toxic to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. There is no specific toxicity associated with pets for this type of sage.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Raspberry red
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Salvia 'Raspberry Royale' displays striking raspberry-pink flowers that can brighten up any garden space.
- Pollinator Friendly: This plant is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a lengthy flowering season that extends from late spring through fall, providing prolonged interest in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: This sage requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, containers, and as part of a mixed perennial bed.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return year after year, providing long-term value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which helps to prevent damage and the need for additional protective measures.
- Compact Growth Habit: With its compact size, it is well-suited for small gardens or spaces where larger plants might dominate.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion planting: Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale' can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes and peppers to help repel pests due to its aromatic foliage.
- Adding to potpourris: The fragrant leaves of Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale' can be dried and included in potpourri mixtures for a long-lasting and pleasant aroma.
- Decorative garnishes: Fresh or dried flowers of Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale' can be used as edible garnishes on desserts or in cocktails for a touch of elegance.
- Eco-friendly dye: The flowers of Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale' may be used to create natural dyes for fabric or paper, offering a sustainable coloring option.
- Floral arrangements: The vibrant flowers and attractive foliage make Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale' a great addition to floral bouquets and arrangements.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oils from Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale' could potentially be used in aromatherapy for their fragrance, although this use might be uncommon and would require proper extraction methods.
- Culinary creativity: The leaves can add a unique flavor to savory dishes, infusing a culinary twist when used in moderation.
- Photography prop: The striking color and form of Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale' can serve as a beautiful subject or backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
- Education and research: As a hybrid, Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale' can be of interest in botanical studies pertaining to plant hybridization, genetics, and garden ecology.
- Crafting: Dried flowers and leaves can be used in various crafts, such as in the creation of bookmarks, greeting cards, or pressed flower art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia is derived from the Latin word "salvere" which means "to save or heal." The plant's historical use in medicine suggests healing properties both physically and spiritually.
- Wisdom: Salvia, commonly referred to as sage, has been associated with wisdom and was often used by the ancient Romans to symbolize good health and wisdom.
- Protection: Throughout history, sage varieties have been used in various cultures to offer protection against evil and to purify spaces from negative energies.
- Longevity: Sage is often connected with longevity, due to its health benefits and ability to preserve food, suggesting a longer and healthier life.
- Immortality: In some beliefs, the sage plant is associated with immortality, as it has been used to promote health and wellness, which are commonly desired for a long-lasting life.
WaterAutumn Sage should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the hotter seasons, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the plant is in a container or if you're experiencing a drought. Aim for about 1 inch of water each week, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons for a typical plant. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent overwatering, as Autumn Sage prefers well-drained soil.
LightAutumn Sage thrives best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in an area where it can get plenty of morning sun and some slight afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates to protect it from the intense late-day sun. However, the plant is adaptable and can also perform well in partial shade, especially in regions with very hot summers.
TemperatureAutumn Sage can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 15°F but is generally hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. To flourish, it should not be exposed to temperatures over 100°F for prolonged periods, as extreme heat could stress the plant.
PruningPrune Autumn Sage to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. The best time for pruning is early spring, just before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged stems and about one-third of the plant's overall size to stimulate fresh growth. It's also beneficial to deadhead, or remove spent flowers, throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Salvia × jamensis 'Raspberry Royale', commonly known as Jame Sage 'Raspberry Royale', a well-draining soil mix is ideal, consisting of two parts garden soil, one part coarse sand or perlite, and one part compost for fertility. The preferred pH range for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingJame Sage 'Raspberry Royale' should generally be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingJame Sage 'Raspberry Royale' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. It can flourish in outdoor conditions where humidity levels reflect the local environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light & well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × jamensis 'Raspberry Royale', commonly known as Jame Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, starts off as a small seedling with a pair of cotyledons to provide nutrients. The seedling then develops true leaves and grows into a young plant, forming a vegetative structure with characteristic aromatic foliage. As the Jame Sage matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive raspberry-colored flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small seed cases, eventually releasing seeds for reproduction. Throughout the growing season, the plant continues to produce flowers and seeds, while in areas with colder climates, it may die back to the ground in winter, regrowing from the roots in spring if it is a perennial in that region. At the end of its lifespan, which varies depending on environmental conditions and care, the plant will cease flowering and producing seeds, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Salvia x jamensis 'Raspberry Royale', commonly known as Raspberry Royale Sage, is often propagated by semi-ripe cuttings during late summer. A popular method involves selecting healthy, non-flowering stems from the current year's growth and cutting a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. The pot is placed in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching. It's essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Rooting typically takes place within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting out.
