Whorled Clary Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'
ABOUT
Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' is a striking perennial plant distinguished by its showy inflorescences and contrasting foliage. The plant features robust, squared stems which are a common trait amongst its kind. The leaves grow in opposing pairs along the stem and exhibit a textured surface. They are a deep green color and have a slightly wrinkled appearance with serrated edges, giving them a lush, vigorous look. The real showstopper of 'Purple Rain' is its flowers, which bloom in whorls around the stem, creating a tiered effect that adds depth and interest to the plant's profile. These flowers are a rich violet to purple color, drawing attention and providing a vibrant splash of color in the garden. They form spiky inflorescences that rise above the foliage, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The overall shape of the plant is rounded, with the foliage and flower spikes creating a full, bushy appearance. It contributes a texture and color that can complement a variety of other plants in a garden setting. The contrast between the deep green leaves and the purple flowers creates a pleasing visual display throughout its blooming period. Despite its ornamental qualities, 'Purple Rain' retains a natural, unmanicured presence that can fit well into informal garden designs or more structured beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Whorled Sage, Lilac Sage, Purple Rain Sage
Common names
Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'.
ToxicityTo humans
Whorled sage is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant, in general, does not typically lead to poisoning or adverse symptoms. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could still cause mild reactions in some people.
To pets
Whorled sage is not widely recognized as a toxic plant for pets. It is not typically associated with poisoning in animals like dogs and cats, and ingestion of this plant does not normally lead to severe symptoms or consequences. However, as with humans, pets might have individual sensitivities, so it's always best to monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction or digestive upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' is known to attract bees and butterflies, helping to pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is drought-tolerant and generally requires little care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking purple flowers, this plant adds vibrant color and visual interest to any garden setting.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return year after year, providing long-term value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Deer Resistance: It is typically resistant to deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas where deer are a common issue.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves of Salvia verticillata can sometimes be used for culinary purposes, providing a subtle flavor to various dishes.
- Soil Stabilization: This plant's root system can help to prevent erosion, making it a functional choice for sloped areas and garden borders.
- Easy Propagation: It can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others without much effort.
- Garden Design: Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain' is versatile for garden design, fitting well in borders, naturalized areas, and as part of a mixed perennial bed.
- Extended Blooming: The blooming period extends from late spring to early fall, providing a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The leaves of Purple Rain can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues varying from green to brown depending on the mordant used.
- Crafting Potpourri: The fragrant leaves and flowers of Purple Rain make it a pleasant addition to homemade potpourri blends.
- Garden Border Accent: Its striking purple flowers can be used to create visually appealing borders in garden landscapes.
- Aromatherapy: The aromatic properties of Purple Rain can be harnessed in creating essential oils for aromatherapy to provide a calming atmosphere.
- Floral Arrangements: The vibrant flowers of Purple Rain can be cut and used in fresh or dried floral arrangements.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible flowers of Purple Rain can add a splash of color and mild flavor when used as a garnish on salads and desserts.
- Eco-friendly Pest Control: It can be planted as a companion plant to deter certain pests naturally in vegetable gardens or amongst other ornamentals.
- Photography Backdrops: The lush foliage and bright flowers can create a beautiful backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists can draw inspiration from the striking colors and forms of Purple Rain for various types of artwork.
- Educational Resource: Purple Rain can be used in educational settings for botany lessons about perennial plants and pollinators.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Whorled Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Whorled Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, commonly known as sage, has been associated with healing properties throughout history, with varieties used in medicinal preparations.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia derives from the Latin word "salvere" meaning "to be saved" or "to heal," often symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.
- Longevity: Sage plants are often linked to longevity and immortality, perhaps due to their hardy nature and constant growth.
- Cleansing: Sage is commonly used in smudging rituals to cleanse spaces of negative energies, thus symbolizing spiritual cleansing and purity.
- Protection: Sage has been believed to offer protection against evil spirits and negative forces, a symbol of safety and security.
WaterLilac Sage, commonly known as Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain,' prefers consistent moisture but does not do well in waterlogged soil. It's best to water this plant deeply every week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During particularly hot or dry periods, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage which can promote disease. Over the course of a month, Lilac Sage would typically require about 4 to 6 gallons of water, depending on weather conditions and soil type.
LightLilac Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help to protect the plant from excessive heat stress. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can reduce blooming and weaken the plant's vigor.
TemperatureLilac Sage does well in a range of temperatures but prefers a climate that provides a moderate to warm growing season. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10°F in winter and can handle summer temperatures well into the 90s°F. However, the ideal growing conditions for Lilac Sage are between 60°F and 70°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Lilac Sage stimulates new growth and encourages more prolific blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period. In early spring, prune back the previous year's growth by about one-third to promote bushiness and prevent woody stems. Pruning should be performed annually or whenever the plant appears overgrown or unkempt.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLilac Sage thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal. The preferred soil pH for Lilac Sage is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingLilac Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years, preferably in the spring or early summer. Younger plants might need annual repotting, while established ones can be repotted less frequently as they favor being slightly root-bound.
Humidity & MistingLilac Sage prefers average room humidity levels. Excessive humidity is not necessary; it tolerates dry air but benefits from occasional misting if the atmosphere is very dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lilac Sage in a spot with ample light and airflow.
Outdoor
Plant Lilac Sage in full sun to partial shade in spring.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleSalvia verticillata 'Purple Rain', commonly known as Whorled Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil typically in spring. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing stems and leaves in preparation for flowering. The flowering stage follows, usually in early to mid-summer, when it produces dense whorls of purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small nutlet fruits, which contain the seeds for the next generation of plants. The plant may die back in winter, especially in colder climates, but as a perennial, it can regrow from the base or root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain', commonly known as Lilac Sage, is best propagated through semi-ripe stem cuttings. This technique should be performed in late summer. To do this, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut sections that are about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat or a fine seed compost. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain humidity. Roots typically develop within 4 to 6 weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors once they've grown strong enough.
