Ribambelle Salvia Salvia 'Ribambelle'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Ribambelle' is a visually striking plant that showcases vibrant and colorful flowers. The flowers bloom in a striking shade of purple, presenting a rich and deep hue that grabs attention. They are arranged in whorled formations along slender, upright spikes that elegantly ascend above the foliage. The plant's leaves are typically covered in fine hairs, giving them a somewhat textured appearance, and boast a green to gray-green color, providing a subtle backdrop that makes the flowers truly pop. The leaves may emit a pleasant scent when brushed against or crushed. The floral display of Salvia 'Ribambelle' is particularly noticeable during its blooming season, which can be a delight for any observer. The plant has a bushy and clumping habit, with stems that are square in cross-section—a characteristic common to many members of its family. With a sturdy and resilient disposition, this plant adds a touch of grace and a dose of delightful color to gardens or landscapes where it makes its home. Overall, Salvia 'Ribambelle' is appreciated for its ornamental flowers, which are also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Ribambelle Sage, Ribambelle Salvia
Common names
Salvia 'Ribambelle'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sage 'Ribambelle' belongs to the genus Salvia, which includes a wide variety of species with different properties. Many salvias are not toxic to humans and are actually used for culinary and medicinal purposes. However, without specific information on the cultivar 'Ribambelle', it is difficult to provide an accurate assessment of its toxicity to humans. The most common types of garden sage, including Salvia officinalis and its varieties, are generally considered safe when used in normal culinary quantities.
To pets
Sage 'Ribambelle', as a member of the Salvia genus, may vary in its toxicity to pets depending on the specific chemical compounds present in this cultivar. Many salvias are not inherently toxic to pets, and some are even used in gardens specifically for their non-toxic properties. However, some species within the Salvia genus may contain compounds that can be harmful if ingested by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Salvia 'Ribambelle' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate plants in the garden.
- Low maintenance: This plant is considered easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought-resistant: Salvia 'Ribambelle' is tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in arid climates.
- Long blooming period: It produces flowers for an extended period of time, often from late spring to frost, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Deer resistant: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with a high deer population.
- Enhances garden aesthetics: With its attractive foliage and colorful blooms, Salvia 'Ribambelle' contributes to the visual appeal of garden beds and borders.
- Versatile landscaping use: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including formal garden beds, informal wildflower meadows, and as a container plant.
Medical Properties
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia 'Ribambelle' can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing a range of colors from green to yellow depending on the mordant used.
- The flowers of the Salvia 'Ribambelle' plant can serve as an attractive edible garnish, adding a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Dried Salvia 'Ribambelle' flower spikes can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures for a pleasant aroma and decorative appearance.
- Leaves of the Salvia 'Ribambelle' can be infused into oils and vinegars, imparting a unique flavor for culinary uses.
- They can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators for gardens.
- The stems and foliage can be used in floral arrangements, providing a long-lasting and aromatic addition to bouquets.
- It can be planted as a natural border or hedging plant, offering an eco-friendly way to delineate spaces within a garden.
- Dried Salvia 'Ribambelle' leaves can be used to create homemade sachets that can repel moths and freshen up closets and drawers.
- The plant can be utilized in landscape design for its drought-tolerant properties, ideal for xeriscaping in arid climates.
- When planted along walkways, Salvia 'Ribambelle' can provide a subtle, fragrant path lining that heightens the sensory experience of a garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sage plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sage plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvias are often associated with healing properties, both physically and spiritually, due to their use in traditional medicine and various cultural beliefs.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia derives from the Latin word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal," and it is symbolically connected to wisdom and the search for truth.
- Protection: In many cultures, Salvia plants are believed to offer protection against evil and negativity. Some people use it for smudging or to create a protective barrier around spaces.
- Longevity: The hardiness and resilience of Salvia plants have made them a symbol of longevity and enduring life.
- Purity: The clean and distinct scent of Salvia, along with its healing connotations, lends it to symbolize purity of body, mind, and spirit.
WaterRibambelle Sage should be watered deeply once a week during active growth, ensuring the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. Adjust the frequency to account for rain, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Provide approximately 1 gallon of water for established plants, ensuring you're watering the base and not the foliage to prevent mildew. Cut back on watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant, reducing to when the soil is dry to the touch.
LightRibambelle Sage thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal blooming. Place the plant in a location where it receives abundant morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, if possible, to prevent scorching.
TemperatureRibambelle Sage prefers warm environments and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, tolerating temperatures down to 10°F. They do best with daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F, making sure to protect the plant if temperatures consistently fall below this range. The plant's ideal growing conditions are achieved when nighttime temperatures do not drop below 50°F.
PruningPrune Ribambelle Sage to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back the plant by about one-third. Deadhead spent blooms during the growing season to promote additional flowering. Prune after the last frost to avoid frost damage to new cuts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Salvia 'Ribambelle', commonly known as sage, should be well-draining with a mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingSage, including Salvia 'Ribambelle', typically needs repotting every 1-2 years, depending on its growth rate and the size of the current pot.
Humidity & MistingSage plants like Salvia 'Ribambelle' prefer average to low humidity levels, avoiding overly humid environments that may promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place sage in bright light, ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant sage in full sun, well-drained soil, shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycle'Ribambelle' Sage begins its life from seed, where, once sown, it germinates typically within one to three weeks in warm conditions. After germination, the seedlings grow into young plants, where they develop a basal rosette of leaves before their stems elongate. The vegetative stage is followed by the flowering period, during which Salvia 'Ribambelle' produces its distinctive spikes of flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed, completing its reproductive cycle. If conditions allow, Salvia 'Ribambelle' may also spread vegetatively through root divisions. The plant then goes dormant during the colder months, although, in warmer climates, it may retain its foliage year-round.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Salvia 'Ribambelle', commonly known as sage, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. This method is most successful when done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent rot and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least two leaf nodes are buried in the soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new sage plant can be transplanted to its final location.
