Woodland Sage Salvia × sylvestris 'Rügen'
ABOUT
Salvia × sylvestris 'Rügen', commonly known as wood sage or woodland sage, is a perennial plant with a striking and showy appearance. This variety of sage often boasts a dense array of purple or violet-blue flower spikes that create a vibrant and eye-catching display during its blooming season. The flowers are tubular and arranged in whorls along the flower spike, which rise above the foliage, making them highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. The leaves of the wood sage 'Rügen' are typically sage-like in form, being broadly lance-shaped or ovate with a wrinkled texture and a somewhat serrated edge. They are often aromatic when crushed or brushed against, releasing a pleasant fragrance that is characteristic of many sage varieties. The foliage is typically a grayish-green to mid-green color, providing a pleasing contrast to the vivid flowers. The overall structure of the plant is bushy and clumping, forming a rounded mound that serves as a verdant backdrop for the blossoms. While in bloom, this variety of wood sage can be used as a focal point in garden beds, borders, or as part of a naturalistic planting scheme. Its long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage make it a popular choice among gardeners wishing to add both color and texture to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Rugen Meadow Sage, Rugen Woodland Sage
Common names
Salvia × sylvestris 'Rügen'
ToxicityTo humans
The Woodland Sage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivity can vary and it is advisable to refrain from ingesting plant parts without proper knowledge, as the specific cultivar 'Rügen' may have varying levels of constituents. If a person has a particular sensitivity or allergy to the plant, they may experience mild symptoms such as stomach upset, nausea, or skin irritation upon contact. Ingesting significant amounts of any non-edible plant can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or more serious effects, but there is no widespread documentation of severe poisoning from the Woodland Sage in humans.
To pets
The Woodland Sage is generally not toxic to pets either. As with humans, pets can have individual sensitivities or allergies to plants, but there is no common record of toxicity associated with this plant. If a pet were to ingest large amounts of the plant, they might experience mild digestive upset, but this would likely be the extent of any adverse effects. It is always best to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants, as individual reactions can vary and other, non-toxic plants may be confused with potentially harmful ones.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia 'Rügen' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem and for pollinating other plants.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this plant is drought tolerant and requires minimal upkeep, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Ornamental Value: With its vibrant purple flowers, Salvia 'Rügen' adds color and aesthetic appeal to garden beds, borders, and decorative pots.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is less palatable to deer than other garden plants, which can help to minimize browsing damage.
- Long Blooming Season: This variety of salvia has a lengthy flowering period, which can extend from late spring to early fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Drought Tolerance: Salvia 'Rügen' can survive in drier conditions, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, this plant will return year after year, reducing the need for annual replanting and providing a reliable structure to 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- Decoration in pressed flower crafts: The vibrant petals of salvia can be preserved and used in creating beautiful pressed flower arrangements or bookmarks.
- Culinary garnishes: Edible varieties of salvia can add a colorful touch to salads or as garnish on dishes.
- Natural fabric dyes: The pigments in salvia flowers can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics.
- Scented sachets: Dried salvia leaves and flowers can fill sachets to freshen up drawers and closets with a pleasant aroma.
- Floral waters: Distillations of salvia flowers may be used to make floral waters for cosmetic use or room sprays.
- Photography subject: With their vivid colors, salvia plants make an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use salvia plants as a model for painting or drawing due to their striking forms and colors.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried salvia petals serve as biodegradable confetti for celebrations or weddings.
- Garden companion planting: Some gardeners plant salvia with vegetables as companion plants to attract pollinators or deter certain pests.
- Potpourri ingredient: Salvia, with its pleasant scent, can be added to potpourri mixes to enhance the fragrance of a room.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Wood Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Wood Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The genus Salvia is often associated with healing properties, as many species have been used in traditional medicine.
- Wisdom: Salvia derives from the Latin word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal," implying a connection to wisdom and knowledge as one learns to heal oneself and others.
- Longevity: With its enduring and resilient qualities, this plant is often associated with long life and well-being.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: Salvia plants are sometimes tied to spiritual pursuit and the seeking of a higher understanding or enlightenment, particularly in cultures that use Salvia for its psychoactive properties.
WaterThe Meadow Sage 'Rügen' should be watered thoroughly, approximately once a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. It is best to water the plant deeply to encourage root growth; this often equates to about 1 inch of water weekly. In periods of extreme heat or drought, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring each time that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the winter or rainy seasons, reduce the watering as the plant's water needs decrease. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering.
LightMeadow Sage 'Rügen' thrives best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant it in a location where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, it may benefit from light afternoon shade to protect it from intense, scorching sunlight.
TemperatureMeadow Sage 'Rügen' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, surviving in minimum temperatures down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, it prefers to be grown in conditions where the temperature ranges between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand summer highs up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit without significant stress.
PruningPrune Meadow Sage 'Rügen' to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flower spikes, can promote a second bloom in late summer or fall. It is best to prune in early spring, cutting back to just above new growth. Pruning again lightly after the first flush of flowers can help maintain plant shape and encourage reblooming.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Woodland Sage prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil, enriched with compost or other organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
RepottingWoodland Sage does not usually require frequent repotting; repot every 2-3 years if the plant outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Sage thrives in average outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.
Outdoor
Full to partial sun, well-drained soil, space 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × sylvestris 'Rügen', commonly known as Garden Sage or Wood Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when conditions are suitable, germinates and develops into a seedling. The plant then enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, establishing a robust root system. Following the vegetative phase, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, where it produces spikes of violet-blue flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small fruit containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then enters senescence towards the end of the growing season, with foliage dying back, especially in colder climates, although it is a perennial and will regrow from its rootstock the following year. In warmer climates or with proper winter protection, the plant may retain some of its foliage year-round, and its life cycle will continue with new growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Salvia × sylvestris 'Rügen', commonly known as Woodland Sage, can be propagated through several methods, but division is the most popular and reliable way to propagate this perennial plant. The best time to divide plants is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed but before the onset of the summer heat, which typically ranges from late March to May depending on the local climate. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the established clump of Woodland Sage and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a good amount of roots and a few shoots. These sections can then be immediately replanted into a well-draining soil mix in a sunny location, spacing them about 15 to 18 inches (38 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth. Water them in well after planting to help reduce transplant shock and establish the divisions.
