Waverly Salvia Salvia 'Waverly'
ABOUT
The Salvia 'Waverly' is a perennial plant characterized by its striking foliage and blossoms. The leaves of this variety are usually a lush green with a textured, sometimes wrinkly appearance, giving the plant a robust presence. Its flowers are a defining feature, typically blooming in lengthy, spiky inflorescences. The blooms are arranged in whorls along the stem, creating a tiered look. These flowers are often a soft white with hints of pale lilac or light purple, adding a delicate contrast against the dark green leaves. Some buds may show a touch of light blue as well. The individual flowers are tubular and inviting to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The stems of 'Waverly' are strong and can carry the weight of the multiple blooms, which repeatedly appear throughout the growing season, offering a long-lasting display of color. The overall appearance of the Salvia 'Waverly' is lush and can add texture and a sense of fullness to garden spaces. Its flowers exhibit a classic sage-like form, which is appealing not just to pollinators but also as a choice for cutting gardens for use in floral arrangements. With its appealing color palette and elegant floral spires, it can act as a focal point in various garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Waverly Sage, Waverly Salvia
Common names
Salvia 'Waverly'.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Waverly', commonly known as just Salvia, is generally not considered toxic to humans. Most species of Salvia are used for ornamental purposes, and some, like Salvia officinalis (common sage), are used in cooking. However, it is always a good practice to avoid ingesting plants that are not explicitly meant for human consumption, as there could be individual variations in reactions or rare toxic constituents in some Salvia species. If a person were to ingest a large quantity of Salvia 'Waverly' or a sensitive individual had a reaction, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. Nevertheless, significant toxicity in humans from Salvia 'Waverly' is not commonly reported in the literature.
To pets
Salvia 'Waverly', commonly known as just Salvia, is generally considered safe and non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. There are many varieties of Salvia, and while some may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts, serious toxicity or life-threatening situations are not commonly associated with Salvia 'Waverly'. If your pet consumes a part of this plant and shows signs of distress or unusual behavior, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian. However, most pets are unlikely to suffer from serious health consequences as a result of ingesting Salvia 'Waverly'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Salvia 'Waverly' produces beautiful white and pale lavender flowers, adding visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Salvia 'Waverly' are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Salvia 'Waverly' can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for water-wise gardening.
- Deer resistance: This plant is typically resistant to browsing by deer, which can benefit gardeners in regions with deer populations.
- Low maintenance: Salvia 'Waverly' is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond basic watering and occasional pruning.
- Long blooming period: The long flowering season of Salvia 'Waverly' ensures that gardens have color and interest for a significant part of the year.
- Adaptable to various soil types: Salvia 'Waverly' can thrive in a range of soil conditions, making it versatile for different garden settings.
- Herbaceous perennial: As a perennial, it returns year after year, providing a reliable feature in gardens and landscaping designs.
- Fast growth: Salvia 'Waverly' can grow quickly, allowing gardeners to establish and enjoy its presence in a relatively short amount of time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia 'Waverly', commonly known as sage, can be used as a natural dye, offering various shades of green, yellow, or brown depending on the mordant used.
- The leaves of sage can be incorporated into a natural insect repellent spray, as they may deter certain pests due to their aromatic properties.
- Dried sage leaves can be added to homemade potpourri mixes for a long-lasting fragrance that can subtly scent a room.
- When burned as a smudge stick, sage is believed to help in cleansing spaces and promoting a sense of calm and clarity.
- The plant can be used in landscaping as a ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds with its dense foliage.
- Sage can serve as a companion plant in the garden, reputed to help attract beneficial insects such as bees and repel some common harmful pests.
- As an ornamental feature, the striking flowers of sage can be used in cut flower arrangements, providing both visual appeal and a pleasant aroma.
- The soft leaves can be used to polish glossy leaves of other plants, by gently rubbing them to remove dust and enhance their shine.
- Fresh sage sprigs can be placed among linens and clothes to impart a fresh scent and potentially repel moths.
- The stems of sage plants can be woven into wreaths or garlands for decorative purposes, celebrating its evergreen nature and silvery-green foliage.
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: Salvia, also known as sage, has a long history of medicinal use for its healing properties. 'Waverly' would share this symbolic meaning.
- Wisdom: Sage is often associated with wisdom and knowledge, suggesting the plant may symbolize gaining insight and understanding.
- Purity: Sage is sometimes used in cleansing rituals to purify spaces, which can extend to the symbolic purification of the spirit.
- Longevity: Due to its hardy nature and perennial growth, sage can represent longevity and immortality.
- Protection: Sage has been used in various cultures to ward off evil and provide protection, symbolizing safety and sanctuary.
WaterThe 'Waverly' Salvia, commonly known as Waverly Sage, should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week. Water the plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes, which may amount to around 1 to 1.5 gallons for a mature plant in a large container or outdoor setting. During hotter, dryer periods, you may need to water more frequently, whereas the plant will require less water during cooler, wetter seasons. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases and to water early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall.
LightWaverly Sage thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, though it can tolerate some afternoon shade. Avoid planting in full shade, as this will reduce the plant's vigor and flowering potential.
TemperatureWaverly Sage prefers temperatures that are between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, though it can survive brief periods outside this range. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate climates. The plant's growth is most robust when temperatures are within the ideal range, and it should be protected from frost to prevent damage.
PruningPrune Waverly Sage to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom, as well as to maintain its shape and promote dense growth. The best time to prune is after the first flush of flowers diminishes, typically in midsummer. Pruning can be done again in late fall to prepare the plant for winter, removing any thin or weak stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Salvia 'Waverly' is well-draining soil enhanced with compost or organic matter; a balanced option might include a mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, is ideal for this perennial.
RepottingSalvia 'Waverly', commonly known as 'Waverly Sage', should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repotting is best done in the spring before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & Misting'Waverly' Sage prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various conditions. It doesn’t require any special humidity considerations as long as it's grown in an environment with natural air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Waverly' Sage near a sunny window and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant 'Waverly' Sage in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Waverly', commonly referred to as sage, begins its life as a seed that germinates in the soil when conditions of moisture and temperature are favorable. Upon germination, it sprouts into a seedling, developing its first true leaves which perform photosynthesis to fuel growth. As it matures into a young plant, it will establish a root system and grow rapidly, developing the characteristic foliage of sages and eventually producing spikes of tubular flowers attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers set seeds, which mature and are eventually dispersed by wind, gravity, or wildlife. In its adult stage, the plant continues to produce flowers, seeds, and it can also spread vegetatively through its root system and possibly by cuttings if propagated by a gardener. Depending on climate and growing conditions, Salvia 'Waverly' may behave as a perennial, dying back in winter and regrowing each spring, or as an annual if it is exposed to freezing temperatures without adequate protection.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Salvia 'Waverly', commonly known as Waverly Sage, is through cuttings. This is often done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. A healthy, non-flowering stem is typically chosen, and a section of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is cut just below a node using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with moistened soil or a soilless potting mix, ensuring at least one node is below the soil surface where roots can form. The pot is placed in a warm area with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity until the cutting has rooted, which usually takes a few weeks. After rooting, the young plant can be gradually acclimated to normal growing conditions before being planted out.
