Purple Sage Salvia 'Purple Majesty'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Purple Majesty' is an ornamental plant known for its striking appearance characterized by its vibrant purple flowers. The plant produces a profusion of flower spikes that rise boldly above the foliage, making it a focal point in any garden. These flowers tend to be small, densely packed, and tubular in shape. Their deep purple hue can vary subtly across the blooms, creating a rich tapestry of color that attracts the eye as well as pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage of Salvia 'Purple Majesty' consists of lush green leaves that may have a slightly textured surface and sometimes exhibit purple or burgundy tinges, especially on the stems or undersides of leaves. The contrast between the bright flowers and the more muted green leaves adds to the visual interest of this plant. The overall impression is one of a lush, vibrant plant that emits a sense of regal beauty, as suggested by its name 'Purple Majesty'.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Purple Majesty Sage, Ornamental Sage, Purple Majesty Salvia
Common names
Salvia 'Purple Majesty'
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Purple Majesty', commonly known as ornamental sage or purple sage, is not typically regarded as a toxic plant to humans. However, individuals can have varying sensitivities to plants, and sometimes people can experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest parts of the plant. There is no widespread documentation of severe toxicity to humans from ingestion of Salvia 'Purple Majesty'. Still, as with any ornamental plant not intended for consumption, it is advisable to avoid ingesting it.
To pets
Salvia 'Purple Majesty', also known as ornamental sage or purple sage, is not generally toxic to pets. It does not appear on lists of plants commonly known to be poisonous to pets, such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, individual animals may have different reactions, and some may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of the plant. In the absence of significant toxic effects, ingestion of Salvia 'Purple Majesty' is unlikely to cause serious health issues in pets, but it is prudent to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia 'Purple Majesty' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for dry climates and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and occasional watering, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Long Blooming Season: The Salvia 'Purple Majesty' offers a long blooming period, providing vibrant purple blooms from late spring to fall.
- Landscape Design Versatility: Its striking purple flowers and upright habit make it a versatile plant for various landscape designs, from borders to focal points.
- Deer Resistance: Typically, deer avoid Salvia 'Purple Majesty', making it a good option for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Easy to Propagate: It can be easily propagated from cuttings or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional costs.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves are aromatic, which can add a pleasant scent to the garden and deter some garden pests.
- Fast Growth: Salvia 'Purple Majesty' is a fast-growing plant, allowing for quick establishment and filling in of garden beds.
- Seasonal Interest: With its purple flowers and attractive foliage, it adds seasonal interest to the garden, particularly in the summer and autumn months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The deep purple leaves of Purple Majesty can be used to create a natural dye for fabric, yarn, or paper crafting.
- Floral Arrangements: The striking spires of Purple Majesty add height and drama to cut flower arrangements.
- Edible Decor: The flowers and leaves are edible and can be used to add a touch of color and mild sage flavor to salads and dishes.
- Garden Borders: Purple Majesty can be planted as a border to provide a vivid and contrasting edge to gardens or walkways.
- Companion Planting: The plant can help to attract pollinators, benefiting other plants in the garden by increasing pollination rates.
- Privacy Screens: When planted in groups, Purple Majesty can provide a stunning purple screen for garden privacy.
- Teaching Tool: Its distinct coloration makes it useful for educational purposes, such as in teaching about plant pigmentation and photosynthesis.
- Photography: The vibrant purple color makes it a popular subject for photographers specializing in botanical and garden imagery.
- Feng Shui: Some practitioners may use the plant in Feng Shui for adding a water element representation due to its purplish hue.
- Crafting: The sturdy stems and conical flower spikes can be used in dried floral crafts and wreath making to add structure and color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, also commonly referred to as sage, has been associated with healing properties both in traditional medicine and spiritual practices.
- Wisdom: Historically, sage plants are linked with wisdom and immortality, possibly due to their longevity and hardiness in the garden.
- Protection: Sage is often considered a protective plant, used to ward off evil and purify spaces of negative energies.
- Spirituality: With its use in cleansing rituals, sage is symbolic of spiritual growth and the pursuit of a higher state of consciousness.
WaterThe Purple Mage Salvia should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the hotter summer months, it may require additional watering, possibly twice a week, depending on the climate and rainfall. Typically, apply approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions. Always check the soil moisture about an inch below the surface before watering to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
LightThe Purple Mage Salvia thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to perform best. It should be placed in a spot where it will receive unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe Purple Mage Salvia prefers temperatures in the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not frost-tolerant, so it's important to plant it in a location that doesn’t drop below the minimum temperature threshold.
PruningPruning the Purple Mage Salvia should be done to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Cut back the plant by one-third to one-half in early spring or after the last frost to promote new growth. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season will encourage continuous blooms. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the growing season to keep the plant tidy and flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Purple Majesty sage is one that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. It should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. A mix consisting of peat, perlite, and compost would be ideal for this plant to thrive.
RepottingPurple Majesty sage should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingPurple Majesty sage prefers moderate humidity levels, thriving in conditions that mimic its native environment. Aim for humidity levels between 40% and 60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Purple Majesty sage near a sunny window with well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant Purple Majesty sage in full sun with space for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Purple Majesty', also known as ornamental sage, begins its life cycle as a seed that, with appropriate warmth and moisture, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. The seedling emerges as a small group of leaves and, with adequate light, water, and nutrients, enters a vegetative growth stage where it develops a robust root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing striking purple spikes that attract pollinators and aid in reproductive success. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial plant, Salvia 'Purple Majesty' may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, only to regrow from its root system with the return of warmer weather. In the absence of freezing conditions, the plant may remain evergreen and continue its growth cycle without dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Salvia 'Purple Majesty' is by sowing seeds. Typically, it is best to start propagating Purple Majesty via seeds indoors during late winter to early spring, around 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, to give the plants a head start. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining seed starting mix, lightly covered with soil as they require darkness to germinate. Then, the seeds need to be kept moist and at a consistent temperature of around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius). Germination usually takes between 14 to 21 days. Once seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being moved to their final growing location after the danger of frost has passed.
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