Woodland Sage Salvia × sylvestris Blue Marvel = 'Balsalarv' (PBR)
ABOUT
Salvia × sylvestris Blue Marvel, commonly known as the Blue Marvel Sage, is a strikingly beautiful perennial plant. It has a bushy and clump-forming appearance, featuring a lush mound of green foliage. The leaves of the Blue Marvel Sage are elongated with a slightly wrinkled texture and a rich green color, presenting a soft and somewhat velvety feel. The foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for the star attraction of this plant: its flowers. The Blue Marvel Sage blooms profusely with vibrant deep blue flowers that are larger than many other salvias. These flowers form dense, upright spikes and are rich in nectar, making them highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Each individual flower is tubular, allowing easy access for such pollinators. The blossoms cluster tightly together along the flower spikes, creating a magnificent and bold display of color that can stand out in any garden setting. The flowering period is typically long, adding a splash of blue tones over multiple seasons, depending on the region it's grown in. Overall, the Blue Marvel Sage exudes a cottage garden charm with its bright and showy inflorescences and lush foliage, contributing both texture and color to landscapes and garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Blue Marvel Sage, Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary.
Common names
Salvia × sylvestris Blue Marvel = 'Balsalarv' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Woodland Sage (Salvia × sylvestris) 'Blue Marvel' typically does not have significant levels of toxins that would be harmful to humans. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions are possible. Ingesting large amounts or having prolonged skin contact could potentially cause mild irritation or an adverse reaction in sensitive individuals, but it is generally considered non-toxic to humans.
To pets
Woodland Sage (Salvia × sylvestris) 'Blue Marvel' is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While ingestion of large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the plant's fibrous nature, it is unlikely to cause serious health issues or toxicity. Most pets will not be harmed if they nibble on this plant occasionally.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Salvia × sylvestris Blue Marvel attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and pruning, making it an easy addition for most gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: This plant is capable of withstanding periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant produces flowers prolifically from late spring to early fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Deer Resistance: The foliage and flowers are generally unappealing to deer, reducing the chances of damage by browsing animals.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings including borders, rock gardens, and as a container plant.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking blue flowers and tidy mound of foliage, it adds a splash of color and structure to garden compositions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Meadow Sage can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, providing them with a soft blue or purple hue.
- Educational tool: Meadow Sage can be utilized in educational settings, such as school gardens, to teach students about plant biology, pollination, and the importance of native flora.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried Meadow Sage flowers can be used in floral arrangements to provide a splash of color and a pleasant fragrance.
- Garden design: Meadow Sage plays a role in xeriscaping and is often used in garden designs that require less water, thanks to its drought tolerance.
- Photography: Its striking blue flowers make Meadow Sage a popular subject for garden photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking to capture the beauty of pollinator-friendly plants.
- Compost enrichment: After its growing season, Meadow Sage can be composted to enrich garden soil with organic material.
- Erosion control: Meadow Sage's root systems can help stabilize soil and control erosion in sloped gardens or areas prone to soil degradation.
- Culinary use: Although not widely recognized for culinary applications, the flowers of Meadow Sage can be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts.
- Beekeeping: Meadow Sage is excellent for attracting bees, making it a beneficial plant for beekeepers aiming to increase the biodiversity of their apiaries.
- Craft projects: Dried Meadow Sage flowers and leaves can be incorporated into various craft projects, such as potpourri, sachets, or natural confetti.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, commonly known as sage, has long been associated with healing due to its medicinal properties used in traditional herbal medicine.
- Wisdom: The Latin name Salvia derives from the word 'salvere' which means "to be saved," reflecting the plant's connection with wisdom and the quest for knowledge.
- Longevity: Sage is also symbolic of longevity, often linked to its hardiness and the enduring nature of its foliage.
- Protection: Historically, sage has been believed to have protective qualities, warding off evil spirits and providing a safeguard against negative energies.
- Cleansing: In various cultures, sage is used in smudging ceremonies to cleanse a space or person of unwanted energies, symbolizing a spiritual and emotional refreshment.
WaterThe Woodland Sage should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In hotter, drier climates, the frequency may increase to twice a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and other diseases, so aim to water at the base of the plant. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant each time, adjusting slightly depending on soil conditions and weather. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to promote healthy root growth.
LightThe Woodland Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best to plant it in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureThe Woodland Sage prefers a temperate climate and can generally survive in temperatures ranging from 15 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for robust growth is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy to USDA zones 4 through 9, which should be considered when determining the right planting spot.
PruningPruning Woodland Sage is important for maintaining a compact growth habit and encouraging a second bloom. Prune back by one-third after the initial flowering in late spring or early summer. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote further blooming. The best time for extensive pruning is in the spring, just as new growth begins to appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Woodland Sage 'Blue Marvel' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. A soil mix consisting of garden soil, coarse sand, and compost would be ideal. Ensure adequate organic material for nutrient retention and soil structure.
RepottingWoodland Sage 'Blue Marvel' should be repotted every 1-2 years, typically in the springtime, to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's a good opportunity to divide the plant if it has grown large.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Sage 'Blue Marvel' prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable. It thrives in the ambient outdoor humidity and doesn't require special humidity adjustments when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and minimal watering.
Outdoor
Place in full sun to partial shade; mulch and water well.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × sylvestris Blue Marvel = 'Balsalarv' (PBR), commonly known as 'Blue Marvel' Sage, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in early spring, in a soil mix that offers good drainage and warmth. Upon germination, the seedlings grow rapidly, developing a rosette of leaves and a root system. As temperatures rise in late spring to early summer, the plant begins its vegetative growth stage, producing strong stems and abundant foliage. During this period, flower buds develop, leading to the blooming stage where vibrant blue flowers open, attracting pollinators and lasting from late spring to fall. After pollination, the plant may set seed, though as a patented hybrid, it might not reproduce true to type from seed. The plant enters dormancy in late fall to winter, during which above-ground growth dies back, with the root system surviving to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Salvia × sylvestris Blue Marvel, commonly known as Meadow Sage 'Blue Marvel', is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This is an effective and popular method which can be done in late spring or early summer when new growth is tender but has not yet matured. Cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long, taken just below a node. It's important to strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and perhaps dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or solution for better chances of success. The cuttings can then be placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist. Enclosing the potted cuttings in a plastic bag or covering with a plastic dome can help maintain humidity levels, thereby encouraging root development. It usually takes a few weeks for roots to establish, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually planted out.
