Autumn Sage Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance'
ABOUT
Salvia × 'Trenance', commonly known as sage, is a visually striking plant distinguished by its vibrant flowers and lush foliage. The flowers are a standout feature, often blooming in eye-catching shades that can range from deep purples and blues to lighter pinks and whites, depending upon the cultivar. They appear in dense, showy spikes that rise above the foliage, creating a vivid splash of color that attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The leaves of the sage are typically aromatic when crushed, and present a delightful scent that can vary from herbal to almost fruity, contributing to the sensory appeal of the plant. The foliage of Salvia 'Trenance' typically exhibits a robust green hue, with leaves that are lance-shaped, featuring a textured surface that can be either smooth or slightly hairy to the touch. The overall form of the plant is one that's spreading and mounding, which makes it suitable for various garden situations, such as borders or as an eye-catching feature. Its habit is such that it lends itself well to creating a tapestry of colors when planted in mass or mixed with other flowering plants in a garden setting. Despite being a hybrid, Salvia 'Trenance' retains the hardiness characteristic of sages, and it successfully melds the ornamental attributes of its parent plants, resulting in a plant that has a strong garden presence and an extended blooming period which adds long-lasting visual interest to any garden it graces.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Autumn Sage, Jame Sage
Common names
Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Sage (a common name for the Salvia genus) is generally considered non-toxic to humans when used in normal culinary quantities. However, if consumed in excessive amounts, certain types of sage, including Salvia divinorum (not necessarily Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance'), can have psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects. There is limited specific information on the toxicity of Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance' to humans, but it is advisable to avoid eating large amounts of any ornamental sage plant as there could be variations in their chemical composition. Always consult with a medical professional or a poison control center if you suspect poisoning or experience any adverse symptoms after ingesting any part of the plant.
To pets
Sage, the most common common name for Salvia species, including Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance', is generally not considered toxic to pets. While it is always best to prevent pets from eating plants not specifically intended for them, ingestion of small amounts of sage is unlikely to cause more than mild gastrointestinal upset. If a pet consumes a large quantity of any ornamental sage, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. As plant toxicity can vary among different species and hybrids, consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors in your pet after ingestion of this plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance', commonly known as Jamensis Sage, produces vibrant flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is favored by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination and biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Jamensis Sage is known for its ability to withstand periods of drought, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening.
- Low Maintenance: The plant typically requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soil types and conditions with limited upkeep.
- Deer Resistance: The aromatic foliage is generally unappealing to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from browsing animals.
- Long Blooming Period: It has an extended flowering period that lasts from late spring to frost, providing consistent color in garden spaces.
- 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
- Edible Flowers: The flowers of Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance' can be used in salads or as garnish, providing a mild sage flavor and a splash of color to dishes.
- Aromatic Potpourri: Dried leaves and flowers contribute a pleasant scent to homemade potpourri blends.
- Dye Production: The plant's leaves and flowers may be used to produce a natural dye for coloring fabrics or yarn.
- Eco-friendly Garden Borders: Using this plant as a border can help deter pests with its strong scent, reducing the need for chemical repellents.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers provide rustic charm to bouquets and table settings.
- Culinary Infusion: Leaves can be infused into oils and vinegars to impart a unique flavor to culinary creations.
- Artistic Inspiration: The striking colors and shapes of 'Trenance' can serve as inspiration for artists and photographers.
- Garden Theme Design: It can be used to create a color-themed area in the garden, such as a pink and purple bed or a 'sage' themed herb plot.
- Companion Planting: Plant 'Trenance' alongside vegetables to help attract pollinators and improve yield.
- Craft Projects: Leaves and flowers can be incorporated into wreaths, ornaments, or other craft projects for a natural touch.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Salvia has been used in traditional medicine for its healing properties, and so it often represents health and well-being.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia comes from the Latin "salvare," meaning "to save" or "to heal," but is also connected to "sapientia," meaning wisdom, due to the genus's association with the herb sage and its historical use to enhance memory and wisdom.
- Protection: Some believe that Salvia has protective qualities, so it may symbolize safety and a warding off of negative influences.
- Longevity: In many cultures, Salvia is a symbol of longevity and immortality because of its health-related benefits and the durability and persistence of some Salvia species in various climates.
- Cleansing: The use of sage for smudging or cleansing spaces of negative energy lends Salvia a symbolic meaning connected to purification and the removal of bad spirits or emotions.
- Water
Autumn Sage should be watered moderately and allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It is best to water deeply once a week, providing about 1-1.5 gallons per plant each time, depending on the soil and climate conditions. Over-watering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage. During the peak of summer or in particularly dry conditions, monitor the soil moisture closely and increase watering frequency as needed.
- Light
Autumn Sage thrives best in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive ample morning sunlight and some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun, especially in very hot climates.
- Temperature
Autumn Sage is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but thrives in conditions between 60°F and 80°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 10°F, but should be protected from frost. At the height of summer, when temperatures exceed 90°F, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress.
- Pruning
Pruning Autumn Sage encourages dense growth and more prolific blooming. Prune in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. After the first flush of flowers, trim back by one-third to encourage a second bloom cycle. The best time to prune heavily is in the spring, but light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Autumn Sage 'Trenance' prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix with equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and peat or a comparable organic component will ensure good drainage and provide the necessary nutrients. Regular soil amendment might be needed to maintain optimal fertility and structure.
- Repotting
Autumn Sage 'Trenance' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container. Repotting in the spring allows the plant to settle in its new pot during the growing season.
- Humidity & Misting
Autumn Sage 'Trenance' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. It can tolerate drier air typical of indoor environments but will thrive best if not subjected to extremely dry air for prolonged periods.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Autumn Sage 'Trenance' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Autumn Sage 'Trenance' in full sun to partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance', commonly known as Sage 'Trenance', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown and germinate, usually in the warmth of late spring or early summer. Seedlings soon emerge and grow into young plants, developing a rosette of leaves at the soil level. As the plant matures, it produces sturdy stems with distinctive aromatic, ovate leaves characteristic of sage varieties. During late spring to early autumn, 'Trenance' enters its flowering stage, showcasing spikes of vibrant, tubular flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In temperate climates, Sage 'Trenance' may die back to the ground after flowering but can re-emerge from its root system in the following growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Salvia × jamensis 'Trenance', commonly known as Jame Sage, is best propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Jame Sage from cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) portion just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage growth. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Place the cutting in a warm area with indirect light and maintain the humidity around it. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transplanted into the garden or into individual pots.