Autumn Sage Salvia × jamensis 'Señorita Leah'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Señorita Leah' is a showy perennial boasting delicate, tubular flowers that come in a soft pink hue with a hint of peach—creating a warm and inviting appearance in the garden. The blooms are arranged in whorls along upright spikes that tower elegantly above the foliage. The leaves of this sage are aromatic, typically green, and have a slightly textured surface, often with a fine layer of fuzz. As with many sages, when you brush against the leaves, they release a fragrant scent that can be a delight to passersby or those tending the garden. The plant's overall form is bushy and compact with a profusion of flowers covering the plant and adding a splash of color for an extended period during its blooming season. The appearance of 'Señorita Leah' would be characterized by its charming flowers and scented leaves, making it a beautiful addition to any garden setting where a touch of its pastel colors would complement the surrounding greenery and other blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Jame Sage, Autumn Sage
Common names
Salvia × jamensis 'Señorita Leah'
ToxicityTo humans
Sage 'Señorita Leah' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or serious harm. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is advisable not to ingest plant material unless it is known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Sage 'Señorita Leah' is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally safe for dogs, cats, and other household animals if they come into contact with or ingest parts of this plant. However, overconsumption of any plant may cause gastrointestinal upset or discomfort, so monitoring your pets around this and any other plants is wise to prevent any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia 'Señorita Leah' attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardening.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and pruning to keep it thriving.
- Long Blooming Period: It flowers from late spring to early fall, providing a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: It is resistant to deer, which can be especially beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem for gardeners.
- Compact Size: The plant has a compact growth habit, making it suitable for small gardens, borders, and containers.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves are aromatic, which can add a pleasant scent to the garden and may also deter some garden pests.
- Colorful Foliage: It has attractive foliage that adds visual interest to the garden, even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Versatile Garden Use: It can be used in various garden styles, including cottage gardens, container gardens, and rockeries.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Attracting Pollinators: Salvia 'Señorita Leah' can be used in gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds due to its vibrant flowers and nectar-rich blooms.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers are edible and can provide a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, adding a subtle minty flavor characteristic of many Salvia species.
- Natural Dye: Its flowers and leaves can potentially be used to create natural dyes for textiles, giving fabrics a range of colors from green to yellow.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers and stems of Salvia 'Señorita Leah' can be used in bouquets and indoor decorations for their ornamental value.
- Photography Subject: Because of its striking colors, it makes an excellent subject for botanical photography and art projects.
- Educational Resource: Planting Salvia 'Señorita Leah' can be used for educational purposes, teaching about plant growth, pollination, and the role of perennials in garden ecosystems.
- Companion Planting: This Salvia can be planted alongside vegetable crops to help deter certain pests and attract beneficial insects.
- Border Planting: Its compact size makes it ideal for border or edge planting in garden design, providing structure and color contrast.
- Therapeutic Horticulture: Gardening with Salvia 'Señorita Leah' can be therapeutic, offering sensory stimulation and a calming activity for people with disabilities or mental health conditions.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: By including Salvia 'Señorita Leah' in garden spaces, one can create a mini-habitat that supports local wildlife such as birds and beneficial insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - As part of the Salvia or sage family, Señorita Leah is often associated with healing properties, historically used in herbal medicine and rituals for purification.
- Wisdom - Sage plants have been symbolic of wisdom and knowledge for centuries, reflecting an appreciation for intelligence and learning.
- Longevity - With the enduring nature of many sage plants, they have come to symbolize long life and immortality.
- Protection - The sage plant is often considered a guardian, with its strong scents and presence believed to offer protection against negativity.
WaterFor Salvia × jamensis 'Señorita Leah', commonly known as Autumn Sage, watering should be done deeply and infrequently to encourage a strong root system. During the active growth period in spring and summer, water the plant once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant's growth slows down, providing water every two to three weeks as needed, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well after each watering session.
LightAutumn Sage thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant will perform best when placed in a spot that gets ample morning sunlight and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too little light may lead to sparse foliage and fewer blooms.
TemperatureAutumn Sage prefers warm temperatures and can survive in a temperature range of 15 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not frost-hardy, so if temperatures drop below 15 degrees, the plant should be protected or moved indoors if kept in a container.
PruningPrune Autumn Sage in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Cut back the plant by one-third after the first flowering to promote a second bloom period. The best time for major pruning is after the last frost in spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Jame Sage 'Señorita Leah', a well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter is best. It prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingJame Sage 'Señorita Leah' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to ensure it has enough room to grow and to replenish the nutrients in the soil. Repot in spring before the new growth starts, using a slightly larger pot each time.
Humidity & MistingJame Sage 'Señorita Leah' thrives best in average to low humidity conditions. As a Mediterranean native, it does not require high humidity and can tolerate dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × jamensis 'Señorita Leah', commonly known as Sage 'Señorita Leah', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown and germinate, usually in spring under the right temperature and soil conditions. The seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with characteristic square stems and opposite leaves, growing progressively through vegetative growth. As the plants mature, flower buds form and bloom into vibrant flowers, typically attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, which play a critical role in the reproductive process. After pollination, flowers develop into fruit which contains seeds, completing the sexual reproduction stage. Once seeds are mature, they disperse into the surrounding environment, either by wind, animal activity, or human intervention. This perennial plant may also produce new shoots from its base or root system, allowing for vegetative propagation and new growth season after season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia × jamensis 'Señorita Leah', commonly known as Sage 'Señorita Leah', is best propagated by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and snip a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) length just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development, and place the cutting into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight and maintain moist soil conditions. With proper care, roots should develop within a few weeks, at which point the young plant can gradually be acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting into the garden.
