Jemima's Gem Sage Salvia Jemima's Gem = 'Jemco'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Salvia Jemima's Gem, commonly known as "Sage," exhibits an attractive and bushy appearance, characterized by its vibrant foliage and striking flowers. The leaves of this plant are typically lush green, with a textured surface that may have a slightly wrinkled appearance, exuding a pleasant aroma when crushed or brushed against. The foliage provides an excellent backdrop for the flowers, which tend to be the most eye-catching feature of the Sage. The plant produces dense spikes of flowers which can vary in color. The blossoms are tubular and are arranged neatly in whorls around the flower spike. The flowers are particularly loved by pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, adding to the interactive nature of the plant in a garden setting. Sage's overall appearance is robust and full of life, with the combination of its aromatic leaves and visually pleasing flowers making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking both aesthetic beauty and sensory appeal.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae
- Synonyms
  Jemima's Gem Sage, Jemco Sage
- Common names
  Salvia Jemima's Gem 'Jemco'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Salvia, commonly known as sage, is generally not toxic to humans. However, some species of Salvia can contain compounds that may have psychoactive properties, and excessive ingestion could potentially cause negative effects. There is limited specific information on the toxicity of Salvia 'Jemima's Gem', but in general, Salvia should be used with caution and in moderation. It is always advisable to avoid consuming large quantities of any plant material, particularly if its specific toxicity profile is not well understood. If you suspect poisoning from ingesting any part of a Salvia plant, seek medical attention.
- To pets
  Salvia is generally considered to have low toxicity for pets, including cats and dogs. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets after ingesting Salvia 'Jemima's Gem'. However, as with any plant, individual animals might have sensitivity or allergic reactions. It is always best to prevent pets from eating plants, as they can cause gastrointestinal irritation or more serious health issues if the plant is toxic or has been treated with pesticides. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested Salvia, contact your veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  Cultivar

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia 'Jemco' is popular among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a valuable food source for these important pollinators.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Visual Appeal: With vibrant purple or blue flowers, it adds striking color and visual interest to any garden.
- Easy Maintenance: It is generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in the appropriate conditions.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it returns year after year, providing a long-lasting addition to the garden.
- Deer Resistance: It is known to be deer-resistant, making it a good option for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
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
- As a natural dye: The leaves and flowers of Salvia may be used in the production of natural dyes for fabric, producing various hues depending on the mordant used.
- In crafting potpourri: The aromatic leaves and flowers can be dried and included in potpourri mixes to add a refreshing scent to rooms.
- As a flavor infusion for vinegars: By steeping the leaves and flowers in vinegar, you can create a uniquely flavored condiment for cooking or salad dressings.
- In bookmarks and paper: Dried salvias can be pressed and used to decorate or create eco-friendly bookmarks and hand-made paper products.
- Education and botany studies: Salvia is used as a plant for educational purposes, to study plant morphology and pollination ecology due to its interesting flower structure.
- As a companion plant: Planting salvia in the garden can help attract beneficial insects and pollinators, supporting the growth of vegetables and fruits.
- Photography and art: Due to their vivid colors and striking forms, salvias are often used as subjects in photography and botanical illustration.
- In aromatic sachets: Dried salvia leaves can be used in sachets to keep clothing and linens smelling fresh in drawers and closets.
- Water-saving gardens: Salvia is tolerant to drought and can be used in xeriscaping to create gardens that require minimal watering.
- Culinary decoration: While not every salvia is edible, some species' flowers can be used to decorate dishes and desserts, making them both beautiful and a talking point.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Like many members of the Salvia genus, 'Jemima's Gem' is often associated with healing properties, both physically and spiritually, because Salvias have been used in medicinal practices for centuries.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia derives from the Latin word 'salvere,' meaning 'to save' or 'to heal,' and is frequently connected to wisdom and the search for truth.
- Longevity: 'Jemima's Gem,' as with other Salvias, may represent longevity, as many species in this genus are valued for their lifespan and resilience.
- Protection: Because of its aromatic qualities that are thought to ward off negative influences, 'Jemima's Gem' could symbolize protection or the warding off of evil.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Salvia Jemima's Gem, commonly known as Meadow Sage, prefers consistent moisture but does not like to sit in wet soil. During the growing season, water thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, ensuring that the soil dries out slightly between watering. When rainfall is scarce, supplement with additional irrigation, providing about 1 inch of water weekly. During the winter months or in cooler weather, reduce watering to prevent root rot. For potted Meadow Sage, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may require checking every few days during hot or windy periods.
Light
Meadow Sage thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform its best. A spot that receives morning sun and some protection from harsh afternoon rays in the hottest part of the summer is ideal. Avoid shady areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
Temperature
Meadow Sage is adaptable to a range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 10°F to 20°F, but growth will be dormant, and it is important to provide well-draining soil to avoid frost damage to the roots in winter. Consistent temperatures below freezing are not ideal for this plant.
Pruning
Pruning Meadow Sage promotes bushier growth and a more prolific bloom cycle. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage additional blooms. In early spring, prune back the plant to about 4 to 6 inches to stimulate new, healthy growth and prevent woody stems. After the first killing frost in the fall, cut back the foliage to just above ground level to keep the plant tidy and prepare it for winter.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Jemima's Gem salvia prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. For optimal growth, create a soil mix with equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat or coconut coir, and sharp sand or perlite to ensure good drainage. A slow-release fertilizer can be added to the mix to provide a steady supply of nutrients.
Repotting
Jemima's Gem salvia should be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish its soil and accommodate root growth. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one to avoid oversizing, which can lead to water retention and root rot.
Humidity & Misting
Jemima's Gem salvia thrives in moderate humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50% for the best growth, ensuring good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Jemima's Gem salvia near a sunny window.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil with full to partial sun.
- Hardiness zone
  7-10 USDA
Life cycle
The Salvia 'Jemima's Gem' starts its life as a seed, which when sown, germinates to produce a small seedling. As the seedling matures, it develops a root system and foliage, growing into a vegetative state where its leaves and stems bulk up. Upon reaching a certain level of maturity, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, if successful, the flowers develop into seed capsules, completing the reproductive cycle. The seeds can be dispersed by various means, leading to new plants if environmental conditions are favorable. Depending on the climate, Salvia 'Jemima's Gem' may behave as a perennial, dying back in winter to re-emerge in spring, or as an annual, completing its life cycle within one year and needing to be replanted.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: Salvia 'Jemima's Gem', commonly known as Salvia, is most commonly propagated using softwood cuttings. This method typically takes place in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is mature enough to be firm but still green. To propagate, gardeners should cut a 3- to 5-inch (about 8 to 13 centimeters) length of stem just below a leaf node, stripping the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development and then planted in a mix of perlite and peat or a seed-starting potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Salvia plant can be transplanted into the garden or into a larger pot to continue growing.