Woodland Sage Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel'
ABOUT
Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel', commonly known as 'Blue Hill' sage, is a perennial plant renowned for its striking flowers and aromatic foliage. This plant boasts lush, green leaves that are textured and somewhat wrinkled, providing an attractive backdrop for the blooms. The leaves are typically lance-shaped and retain their color from spring until autumn. The most captivating feature of 'Blue Hill' sage is its vivid blue flowers, which are tightly packed into elongated spikes that stand out above the foliage. Each individual flower is small and tubular, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. These blossoms generally appear in late spring and can last into the summer months, offering a long season of color and interest in the garden. Additionally, 'Blue Hill' sage has a neat, mounded habit, creating a tidy appearance that suits both informal and formal garden settings. It is often used in borders, naturalized areas, and as an accent plant due to its striking flower spikes and pleasant scent. The combination of its aromatic foliage and showy blue flowers makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add both visual appeal and fragrance to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Blue Hill Sage, Blauhügel Woodland Sage, Blauhügel Meadow Sage
Common names
Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Wood sage 'Blauhügel' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms associated with poisoning, as this plant is not known to be poisonous when it comes to ingestion by humans. Nonetheless, individual allergies to plant constituents can occur, so it's always prudent to exercise caution with any plant material.
To pets
Wood sage 'Blauhügel' is typically safe for pets and is not known to be toxic to them. Poisoning is not commonly associated with this plant, and ingestion of the leaves or flowers should not result in symptoms of toxicity for pets such as cats and dogs. However, as with all plants, pets may have individual sensitivities, and ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset due to the physical irritation or the presence of any plant-specific compounds that animals might be sensitive to.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Hybrid Origin
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel', commonly known as Blue Hill Meadow Sage, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Blue Hill Meadow Sage is quite drought-resistant, making it an ideal choice for low-water landscapes and xeriscaping.
- Low maintenance: Blue Hill Meadow Sage requires minimal care, which is favorable for gardeners looking for plants that do not need constant attention or upkeep.
- Long blooming period: Blue Hill Meadow Sage provides a long season of vibrant blue flowers, from late spring to early autumn, adding prolonged interest to the garden.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: The plant is not typically favored by deer or rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens plagued by these creatures.
- Easy to propagate: Blue Hill Meadow Sage can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for other areas of their garden or to share with fellow garden enthusiasts.
- Herbaceous perennial: As an herbaceous perennial, it dies back in winter and returns in spring, making it a reliable and resilient addition to the garden.
- Color addition: The striking blue flowers of Blue Hill Meadow Sage add a splash of color that can complement the varied hues of other flowers and foliage within a landscape design.
- Soil adaptability: While it prefers well-drained soil, Blue Hill Meadow Sage can adapt to a variety of soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for many garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia 'Blauhügel', also known as Wood sage, can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing subtle shades of blue to gray depending on the mordant used.
- In landscape design, Wood sage can be effectively used to stabilize soil on slopes or embankments, due to its hardy and spreading nature.
- Wood sage can be included in sensory gardens thanks to its aromatic leaves, which release a pleasant fragrance when touched or crushed.
- It is suitable for crafting decorative dried flower arrangements due to the plant's striking blue flower spikes that retain color after drying.
- Creative culinary enthusiasts might use Wood sage flowers as an edible garnish for desserts and cocktails, adding a splash of color and subtle flavor.
- Wood sage can serve as a natural insect repellent when planted in the garden, due to its aromatic properties that some pests find unattractive.
- The flowers of Wood sage can be pressed and used in botanical art and crafts to create natural and unique designs on paper or fabric.
- Its dense, bushy growth habit makes Wood sage a suitable candidate for creating low, informal flowering hedges in garden settings.
- Cutting gardens can benefit from Wood sage as its flowers are a desirable addition for bouquets and fresh-cut flower arrangements.
- Gardeners might use Wood sage in a moon garden, where its light-colored flowers reflect moonlight and create a luminescent effect at night.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Woodland Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Woodland Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom - The Latin name "Salvia" is derived from the word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal," often symbolizing wisdom and immortality.
- Healing - Salvia plants have been used in traditional medicine for their healing properties, embodying the idea of health and recovery.
- Protection - Many cultures believe that planting salvia around the home can ward off evil spirits, symbolizing protection and safety.
- Longevity - Salvia is associated with a long life, possibly due to its hardy nature and long blooming period.
- Purification - The use of sage for smudging in various cultures implies a symbolism of purification and the clearing of negative energy.
WaterBlue Hill Sage should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant, but it performs best with consistent moisture. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, which equates to approximately 0.623 to 0.934 gallons per square foot per month. During hot or dry spells, monitor soil moisture and water if the top few inches of soil feel dry. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and instead, use a drip system or soaker hose to deliver water directly to the base of the plant.
LightBlue Hill Sage thrives in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant it in a spot where it's exposed to unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, as ample sunshine is essential for the best flowering and overall plant health. It can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates, but the amount of blooms may be reduced.
TemperatureBlue Hill Sage is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but it grows best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures up to the mid-80s, but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant. Plant Blue Hill Sage in an area where it will be sheltered from extreme cold to ensure its survival through winter.
PruningBlue Hill Sage should be pruned to encourage bushiness, to remove spent flowers, and to maintain an attractive shape. Deadheading, or the removal of old blooms, can be done throughout the blooming season to encourage further flowering. Cut back the plant by about one-third in the early spring to stimulate fresh growth and improve air circulation. The best time for more substantial pruning is after the flowering has finished or in early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor wood sage (Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel'), a well-draining soil mix with compost or well-rotted manure is ideal, promoting healthy growth and flowering. An optimal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral. Soil that is too compact or holds excessive moisture can lead to root rot, so adding perlite or grit can help improve drainage.
RepottingWood sage (Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel') typically doesn't require frequent repotting, as it often performs better when it's not disturbed. If planted in containers, repotting may be needed every few years, early in spring, to refresh the soil or to accommodate the plant if it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingWood sage (Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel') prefers average to dry humidity conditions; they do not require high humidity levels. As long as the plants are grown in reasonably well-ventilated areas, typical outdoor humidity is generally favorable for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel', commonly known as the woodland sage or 'Blue Hill' sage, starts as a seed, which upon germination initiates the growth of a small seedling. The plant then enters the vegetative stage, developing a rosette of leaves close to the ground and establishes a robust root system. As it matures, it begins to develop upright stems and prepares for the flowering stage. The flowering stage occurs in late spring to early summer, exhibiting vibrant blue to violet flowers that attract pollinators and facilitate cross-pollination. After pollination, seeds are produced and eventually dispersed, allowing for the potential germination of new plants. The plant may die back in winter, especially in colder climates, but it is a perennial and will typically regrow from its root system when the conditions become favorable again in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: Salvia × sylvestris 'Blauhügel', commonly known as 'Blue Hill' Sage, can be effectively propagated by using softwood cuttings. The optimal time to take these cuttings is late spring to early summer, when new growth is vigorous but not yet fully hardened. To propagate, a gardener would cut a 3 to 5 inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 cm) length of stem just below a node. It's important to strip the bottom leaves off and to dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. The stem should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the node where the leaves were removed is buried, as roots will develop from this area. To maintain humidity and encourage rooting, covering the potted cutting with a plastic bag may be useful, but it should be opened occasionally to prevent rot. Under the right conditions, roots should begin to form within a few weeks, after which the new 'Blue Hill' Sage plant can be gradually acclimated to less controlled environments.
