Sage Salvia 'Trelissick'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Trelissick' is a striking plant known for its vivid floral display and aromatic foliage. The plant bears a profusion of flowers, which are typically arranged in spiky inflorescences. These flower spikes showcase an array of tubular blooms, radiating a deep and saturated shade of blue to purple, which often become focal points in a garden setting. The blossoms are beloved by pollinators, such as bees and hummingbirds, who frequently visit for the nectar. The foliage of Salvia 'Trelissick' contributes to its aesthetic appeal. The leaves are generally lush green, with a notable lance-shaped or ovate profile, and they possess a textured surface, possibly with fine hairs. They emanate a distinctive fragrance when disturbed, which can be described as herbal or sometimes pungently sweet. The overall form of Salvia 'Trelissick' is upright and bushy, presenting a neat and structured appearance, although not stiff, as individual stems may gracefully arch under the weight of the blooms. The juxtaposition of the vibrant flowers against the green backdrop of the leaves makes for a dynamic visual impact in garden compositions. The plant's lushness, color, and aroma contribute to its popularity among gardeners, who value it as much for its ornamental qualities as for its ability to attract wildlife. Salvia 'Trelissick', being part of the sage family, shares this generous display of color and enticing scent characteristic of salvias, making it a preferred choice for adding long-lasting color to borders and beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Trelissick Sage
Common names
Salvia 'Trelissick'
ToxicityTo humans
Sage 'Trelissick' is generally not considered toxic to humans. Most salvia plants, including Sage 'Trelissick', are used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. However, individuals should consume them in moderation as excessive consumption of some salvias can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting due to the presence of various compounds within the plant.
To pets
Sage 'Trelissick' is not typically toxic to pets. As with humans, this plant is often used in culinary applications and is not known to cause serious harm to animals. However, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting large quantities of any non-food plants as they might cause mild gastrointestinal upset as a result of the consumption of unfamiliar plant matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Salvia 'Trelissick' is known for drawing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to a garden, which can help pollinate plants and promote biodiversity.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, this plant adds color and visual interest to landscape designs, gardens, and containers.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Salvias are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions, making them suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Salvia 'Trelissick' requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking plants that do not need frequent attention.
- Deer-resistant: Salvia is typically resistant to browsing by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation on plants is a problem.
- Long blooming season: This variety of Salvia offers a prolonged blooming period, providing long-lasting color in a garden setting.
- Herbaceous perennial: As a perennial, Salvia 'Trelissick' comes back year after year, reducing the need for replanting annually.
- Versatile planting options: Salvia can be used in a variety of garden settings and styles, including borders, beds, and rock gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting natural dyes: Different parts of the Salvia plant can be used to produce a range of natural dyes for fabrics and wool, with colors varying based on the part used and processing methods.
- Gardening for pollinators: Salvia plants are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, so they're excellent for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.
- Culinary decoration: Though not all varieties are edible, the vibrant flowers of some Salvia can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Companion planting: Gardeners use Salvia to companion plant with vegetables and fruits as they can deter certain pests while attracting beneficial insects.
- Aromatherapy: The fragrant leaves of Salvia can be used in homemade potpourri or sachets to refresh and scent drawers, wardrobes, and living spaces.
- Flower arrangements: Salvia flowers can add height and texture to floral bouquets and are valued for their long vase life and rich colors.
- Educational purposes: Salvia plants can be used in schools and educational gardens to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and the importance of native flora.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried Salvia petals can serve as a biodegradable confetti alternative for celebrations, lessening environmental impact.
- Landscape design: Due to their varied heights and colors, Salvia plants are used in landscape design for creating visually appealing patterns and borders.
- Natural insect repellent: Some gardeners plant Salvias around outdoor seating areas as it is believed that their scent can help deter mosquitoes and other insects.
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- Wisdom: The common name of Salvia 'Trelissick' is "Sage," which is derived from the Latin "Salvia," from "salvare," meaning to heal or to save. It is commonly associated with wisdom and knowledge.
- Longevity: Sage is often seen as a symbol of long life and immortality, perhaps due to its health-associated benefits and its durability in the garden.
- Purification: Throughout history, sage has been used in cooking and medicine, as well as for purifying spaces, which lends it a symbolic meaning of cleansing and purification.
- Protection: Sage has been considered a guard against evil. Burning sage is a practice in many cultures to cleanse a space of negative energies.
WaterSalvia, commonly known as sage, requires regular watering to establish a deep root system, then it can be more drought tolerant. During the growing season, water sage plants every 7 to 10 days with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. In hotter, drier climates, an increase in watering frequency may be necessary. It is important to water the plant at its base to avoid wetting the foliage, which could promote disease. During the winter or in cooler climates, reduce watering to every 2 to 3 weeks, checking the soil moisture level before adding water.
LightSage thrives in full sun, so the best spot for Salvia 'Trelissick' is an area where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant can tolerate partial shade but will have lusher growth and more vigorous blooms in full sun. Avoid placing it in areas that are too shaded, as this can result in leggy plants and fewer flowers.
TemperatureSage plants prefer a temperature range of 60 to 85°F during their growing season. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F, but frost can damage the leaves and stems. The ideal growing conditions for Salvia 'Trelissick' are in climate zones where extreme heat or cold are minimal, and rapid fluctuations in temperature are uncommon.
PruningPrune sage after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half after the first bloom, typically in late spring or early summer. During the winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged growth. Pruning not only improves the plant's appearance but also stimulates fresh growth and helps prevent disease by improving airflow.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Salvia 'Trelissick', commonly known as Trelissick Sage, should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mix consisting of garden soil, compost, and perlite or pumice in equal parts works well. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingTrelissick Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure it has enough room for growth and to replenish its soil. Increase the pot size by 2 inches each time to allow for healthy root expansion.
Humidity & MistingTrelissick Sage prefers moderate to low humidity levels and can adapt to the typical humidity found in most home environments. It does not require any special humidifying techniques.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Trelissick Sage near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and well-draining soil; protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Trelissick', commonly known as sage, starts its life cycle with seed germination, where seeds require warm temperatures and consistent moisture to sprout. Following germination, seedlings establish themselves with a basic root system and grow into juvenile plants with characteristic sage foliage. As they mature, these plants enter the vegetative stage, growing stems and leaves robustly in preparation for the onset of flowering. Flowering typically occurs in the late spring to summer, during which sage plants produce colorful, nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators and enable sexual reproduction. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into fruits that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. After seed dispersal, the plant may either die back, if it is an annual or biennial, or enter a period of dormancy during the colder months as a perennial, reemerging the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Salvia 'Trelissick', commonly known as Trelissick sage, is typically propagated via stem cuttings during the late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. By taking a healthy stem cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm), stripping the leaves from the lower half, and then dipping the cut end into rooting hormone, the chances of successful rooting are increased. The prepared cutting should be inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the leafless part is buried. The pot should then be placed in a warm environment with indirect sunlight and kept consistently moist. Roots often develop within a few weeks, at which point the new Trelissick sage plant can be carefully transplanted to a larger container or directly into the garden.
