Sage Salvia × jamensis 'Maraschino'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Maraschino' is a perennial plant known for its striking aesthetic appeal. The main attraction of this variety is its vivid flowers, which are cherry-red, presenting a bold and vibrant display. These blossoms form in small, dense clusters and are tubular in shape, typical of this family, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds who are drawn to their nectar. The foliage of Salvia 'Maraschino' complements the brightness of the flowers. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, emitting a pleasant fragrance that is often regarded as one of its delightful features. They are typically green, sometimes with a hint of gray, and possess a textured, almost wrinkled surface which adds to the plant's tactile interest. The overall form of Salvia 'Maraschino' is that of a neat, bushy mound. It creates a lush and full-bodied appearance in the garden, making it an excellent choice for borders or as a feature plant among other perennials. Its continuous bloom throughout the growing season adds long-lasting color and interest to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Jame Sage, Maraschino Sage, Maraschino Autumn Sage
Common names
Salvia × jamensis 'Maraschino'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly referred to as Autumn Sage 'Maraschino', is generally not considered toxic to humans. Most Salvia species, including Autumn Sage, have a long history of both ornamental and culinary use, and there are no widespread reports of toxicity to humans. If ingested in large quantities, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but this is not common and the plant is not known for being dangerously toxic to humans.
To pets
Autumn Sage 'Maraschino' is also considered non-toxic to pets. It is not listed as a harmful plant by key pet safety organizations, and there is no substantial evidence to suggest that the consumption of this plant presents a significant risk to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, if a pet consumes a large amount of Autumn Sage, it may experience mild digestive discomfort. It is always advisable to monitor pets and prevent them from ingesting plants indiscriminately, as individual animals may have unique sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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 Salvia x jamensis 'Maraschino', commonly known as Autumn Sage, are a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Autumn Sage is highly drought-resistant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Long Blooming Period: Autumn Sage has a lengthy flowering season, often blooming from late spring through fall, adding color to the garden for an extended period.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning and can thrive in a range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Deer Resistance: Autumn Sage is typically resistant to deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a concern.
- Herbaceous Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant, herbaceous scent that can add another layer of sensory enjoyment to the garden environment.
- Landscape Versatility: With its compact size, Autumn Sage can be used in a variety of garden settings including borders, containers, and rock gardens.
- Erosion Control: The dense and spreading growth habit of Autumn Sage helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Visual Interest: Autumn Sage has attractive foliage and a range of flower colors, providing visual interest and aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Culinary Uses: While not specifically for 'Maraschino', some Salvia species have edible flowers that can be used as garnishes or flavoring in dishes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Salvia × jamensis 'Maraschino' is often used in gardens to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies which can benefit the pollination of nearby plants.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers of this plant can be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, adding a touch of elegance to dishes.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics or paper.
- Aromatic Oils: Its fragrant leaves can be infused into oils for a natural room fragrance or for use in homemade potpourri.
- Education and Research: It may be used for botanical studies or by plant breeding programs to study hybrid vigor or flower color inheritance.
- Art and Craft: Dried flowers can be used in flower arrangements or pressed flower art due to their vibrant color and durability.
- Feng Shui: Some practitioners may use the plant in Feng Shui for creating positive energy in the garden or home environment.
- Garden Bordering: The compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for creating tidy, low borders along walkways or garden beds.
- Photography: The striking flowers can be the subject of or a backdrop for garden photography, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of photos.
- Fabric Softening: Leaves can be placed in linen drawers or among clothes to impart a fresh fragrance, subtly acting as a natural fabric softener.
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: Salvias are often associated with wisdom due to the Latin origin of the word "salvia" meaning "to heal" or "to save," indicating a deep knowledge of healing practices.
- Longevity: Due to their perennial nature and ability to survive in various conditions, salvias can symbolize a long life filled with vitality.
- Protection: The sage family, which includes salvia, is traditionally thought to have protective properties, often used in various cultures to ward off evil.
- Immortality: The enduring nature of salvia plants has led them to be symbols of immortality, with their persistent blooming and survival through the seasons.
- Healing: Salvia plants are often used in traditional medicine, representing healing, both physical and spiritual.
WaterAutumn Sage, commonly known as Maraschino Sage, prefers regular watering but does not like to sit in damp soil. Aim to water deeply once a week, providing around 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the climate and soil drainage. During hot spells or drought, additional water may be necessary, but always check the soil moisture first to avoid overwatering. It is best to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. In cooler temperatures or during the rainy season, reduce the frequency to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
LightAutumn Sage needs full sun to flourish, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It thrives in areas where it can bask in the morning sun followed by partial shade in the afternoon, though it can also tolerate a full day of sun. The best spot for Autumn Sage would be a south-facing garden that provides ample sunlight, as this promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureAutumn Sage can tolerate a wide temperature range but performs best in conditions between 60°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures as low as 10°F to 20°F and maximum temperatures well into the 100s°F. However, this plant prefers a milder, Mediterranean-like climate and may need protection from extreme cold or heat.
PruningPruning Autumn Sage encourages fresh growth and more abundant flowering. Prune lightly in early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. After the first flush of flowers, trim back by one-third to encourage a second bloom. The best time for a major pruning is after the last frost in spring, but before new growth starts in earnest.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Jame Sage 'Maraschino' prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand enhances drainage and fertility. Regular mulching can help maintain soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingJame Sage 'Maraschino' typically requires repotting every 2-3 years or when it appears to be outgrowing its current container, which allows for fresh soil and encourages further growth and blooming.
Humidity & MistingJame Sage 'Maraschino' does well in moderate humidity levels but is tolerant to lower humidity common in most home environments; avoid extremes of dryness or dampness for optimal health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright light near a window; let soil dry between watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Salvia × jamensis 'Maraschino', commonly known as Maraschino Sage, begins with seed germination, typically in early spring, when temperature and moisture levels are suitable for the seeds to sprout. After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the growth of the first true leaves, which will photosynthesize and provide energy for further growth. The vegetative stage follows, during which the plant develops its root system and foliage, increasing in size and strength. Maraschino Sage will then enter the flowering stage, likely in late spring to early summer, producing small, vibrant red flowers that attract pollinators and can be deadheaded to encourage continuous blooming. After pollination, the flowers may form seeds that will drop to the ground and either germinate to continue the life cycle or enter a period of dormancy until conditions are again favorable. The plant may die back during colder months if it is not an evergreen variety in its growing zone, but perennial varieties of Maraschino Sage can resprout from the root system when spring arrives.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Salvia × jamensis 'Maraschino', commonly known as Jame Sage, is by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. To propagate, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 3 to 5 inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) length just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat in equal parts, ensuring that the leaf nodes where you removed leaves are buried. Keep the potting mix moist and place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within 4 to 6 weeks, after which the new Jame Sage plant can be transplanted.
