Sierra San Antonio Sage Salvia × jamensis 'Sierra San Antonio'
ABOUT
Sierra San Antonio is a striking plant that showcases a blend of compelling colors and textures, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. The foliage of this beauty is composed of small, aromatic leaves that exude a fragrant scent when brushed against or crumpled. The leaves are typically green, but they carry a unique quality, having a slightly grayish cast due to the fine hairs that cover them, lending a soft, almost velvety texture. The most captivating feature of Sierra San Antonio is its flowers. Blooms emerge in a dazzling display of peach and soft yellow hues, forming a striking contrast against the green-gray foliage. Each flower consists of a whorled arrangement around a sturdy, square stem, which is a signature characteristic of its family. The petals have a tubular shape, opening at the mouth to reveal delicate lips that invite a myriad of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies, to feast on their nectar. Appearing in abundance, these two-tone flowers create a stunning visual impact and extend a warm ambiance to any garden setting. The overall appearance of the Sierra San Antonio embodies a casual elegance that adds to its allure, making it a desirable addition to flower borders, aromatic gardens, or as a standout specimen among other ornamental plants.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sierra San Antonio Sage, Jame Sage
Common names
Salvia × jamensis 'Sierra San Antonio'.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Sierra San Antonio' is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. As with many plants, sensitivity can vary between individuals, and while ingesting small amounts of the plant is unlikely to cause harm, consuming large amounts or using it as an herbal remedy without proper knowledge could potentially lead to adverse effects. Generally, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants since their toxicity may not be fully understood, and effects can range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more serious health issues depending on the plant and quantity consumed.
To pets
Salvia 'Sierra San Antonio' is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While not common for pets to consume large quantities of this plant, if ingested, watch for any signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If any unusual symptoms appear, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Nevertheless, it's always prudent to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants, as individual reactions can vary, and some plants can have toxic parts or can be treated with harmful chemicals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Peach
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of the plant provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry gardens.
- Low maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring little pruning or other maintenance tasks.
- Long blooming period: It offers a long season of colorful flowers, often from spring through fall.
- Aesthetic appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its spiky flowers and attractive foliage.
- Deer resistant: Tends to be unpalatable to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Versatile use: Suitable for borders, containers, and as part of a cottage or informal garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia 'Sierra San Antonio' can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from its leaves and flowers for textiles and crafts.
- The plant's flowers are edible and can add a decorative touch with a mild, herbal taste to salads and desserts.
- Due to its pleasant aroma, this sage can be included in potpourri mixes, offering a long-lasting scent to rooms.
- The stems can be dried and woven into small decorative items or used as rustic embellishments in floral arrangements.
- Leaves may be infused into oils or vinegars to impart a unique flavor for culinary uses such as dressings or marinades.
- The plant's flowers can be pressed and used in crafting, such as bookmark embellishments or in paper making for a natural touch.
- It can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens, its scent and oils are often unattractive to certain insects.
- Leaves can be used in homemade natural cleaning solutions for their antiseptic properties and fresh scent.
- Salvia 'Sierra San Antonio' can be a part of a sensory garden, providing texture and fragrance that stimulates the senses.
- The plant is suitable for use in eco-friendly landscaping, attracting pollinators while requiring minimal water and care.
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 - Similar to other Salvia species, Salvia × jamensis 'Sierra San Antonio', commonly known as Jame Sage, is often associated with healing properties due to the historical use of sage in herbal medicine for its antiseptic, astringent, and relaxation benefits.
- Wisdom - Sage plants in general symbolize wisdom, as their Latin name 'Salvia' is derived from the word 'salvere' meaning 'to be saved' or 'to heal,' and over time the plant has come to represent the accumulation of knowledge and wisdom.
- Longevity - Sage is also linked with longevity, possibly because of its health-related benefits and its hardy nature that allows it to thrive in various conditions.
- Protection - Some cultures believe that sage has the power to offer protection. Burning sage, a practice known as smudging, is thought to cleanse a space from negative energies.
WaterThe 'Sierra San Antonio' Sage prefers regular watering to keep its soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be about once a week, depending on climate conditions. Use approximately 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. In the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every two weeks or less, as the plant's water needs decrease. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot, especially in cooler months.
Light'Sierra San Antonio' Sage thrives in full sunlight and should be positioned in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. A south or west-facing location is ideal to ensure the plant gets ample light. If grown indoors, place it by a bright window with consistent light, but avoid scorching afternoon sun which can damage the leaves.
Temperature'Sierra San Antonio' Sage performs best in temperatures ranging from 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand brief dips down to 20 degrees but is not frost-tolerant and should be protected if colder temperatures are expected. The optimal temperature range for this sage variety is between 60 and 70 degrees for sustained healthy growth.
PruningPruning 'Sierra San Antonio' Sage is essential for maintaining its shape and promoting vigorous growth. Prune lightly in early spring to remove any winter damage and to encourage branching. After the initial spring bloom, cut back by one-third to stimulate a second flush of flowers. The best time for heavy pruning is in early spring or after the last frost date in your area.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJame Sage requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand in equal parts can create an ideal environment for healthy growth. Regular soil amending with organic matter will support its development.
RepottingJame Sage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting to minimize stress on the plant and encourage rapid recovery.
Humidity & MistingJame Sage thrives in low to moderate humidity conditions and does not require high humidity levels. It is adaptable to the typical outdoor humidity range in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Jame Sage in a sunny window and ensure proper drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil and full sun exposure for best growth.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × jamensis 'Sierra San Antonio', commonly known as Jame Sage, initiates its life cycle when the seeds germinate in a moist soil environment, typically in spring under favorable conditions of warmth and light. The seedlings develop true leaves and gradually establish a root system to become young plants. Throughout the growing season, given adequate sun and well-drained soil, the young plants grow into mature, bushy perennials with woody stems at the base and produce an abundance of aromatic leaves. Flowering occurs from late spring to early fall, with 'Sierra San Antonio' showcasing yellow and pink bicolor blooms that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into small seed capsules, which eventually dry and release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In cold climates, Jame Sage may die back to the ground in winter but can resprout in spring if the roots have survived.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Salvia x jamensis 'Sierra San Antonio', commonly known as Sierra San Antonio Sage, is often propagated in late spring or early summer when the weather is warm, which encourages rooting and growth. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by taking stem cuttings. To do this, a healthy, non-flowering shoot is selected and a cutting about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 cm) long is taken. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. This cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to maintain a high humidity environment for the cutting, which can be facilitated by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Roots typically emerge within a few weeks, after which the new Salvia plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before being planted out.
