Woodland Sage Salvia × sylvestris 'Tänzerin'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Tänzerin', a part of the sage family, is admired for its appealing aesthetic. This plant is characterized by its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. The flowers of 'Tänzerin' are particularly striking, often displaying a deep blue to violet color that stands out in garden settings. These blooms are arranged on spiky inflorescences that rise above the foliage and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The foliage of 'Tänzerin' is equally noteworthy. The leaves are typically green, exuding a fresh and lively hue. They can be lance-shaped or somewhat oblong, with a texture that can range from smooth to slightly wrinkly or veined, contributing to the overall visual interest of the plant. Furthermore, the leaves are aromatic when crushed, releasing a pleasant fragrance that is a characteristic feature of many sage family members. 'Tänzerin' is also known for its resilience and ability to thrive with proper care, making it a suitable choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of color and texture to their landscapes. With its striking flowers and lush greenery, 'Tänzerin' creates a captivating display that enhances the visual appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary, Meadow Sage
Common names
Salvia × sylvestris 'Tänzerin'.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia × sylvestris 'Tänzerin', commonly known as Woodland Sage, is not known to be toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any non-food plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to the unfamiliarity of the substances to the human body. It is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants not known for their edibility or medicinal properties.
To pets
Woodland Sage is not known to be toxic to pets either. Although it doesn't pose a significant risk of poisoning, it is generally not advisable for pets to consume plant material that is not part of their usual diet, as it could lead to mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction. If a pet ingests a large amount of Woodland Sage, it is wise to monitor them for any signs of distress and consult a veterinarian if any adverse symptoms occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Salvia × sylvestris 'Tänzerin', commonly known as Woodland Sage, adds vibrant color to gardens with its striking blue to violet flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are rich in nectar, thereby attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Woodland Sage is highly adaptable to dry conditions once established, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can help protect your garden from browsing damage.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial is easy to care for and requires minimal upkeep, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: The blooming period of Woodland Sage extends from late spring to early summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a herbaceous perennial, it dies back in the winter and returns in the spring, offering a reliable yearly display.
- Versatility in Landscaping: The plant can be used in various landscape settings, including borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens.
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 Sage 'Tänzerin' can be used to produce a natural dye for textiles, providing shades of blue and purple depending on the mordant used.
- Beekeeping attraction: The plant's prolific flowers are a strong attractor for bees, making it a valuable addition to gardens designed to support apiaries and pollinator conservation efforts.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists and photographers often use the vivid colors and striking form of Sage 'Tänzerin' as a subject for botanical illustrations, paintings, and photographic compositions.
- Educational tool: Schools and botanical gardens use Sage 'Tänzerin' to teach about plant biology and hybridization due to its clear characteristics and hybrid nature.
- Culinary decoration: Although not commonly consumed, Sage 'Tänzerin' flowers can be used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts to add a splash of color.
- Crafting material: Dried flowers and leaves of Sage 'Tänzerin' can be incorporated into potpourris, wreaths, or as a part of dried floral arrangements due to their aroma and attractive appearance.
- Companion planting: Sage 'Tänzerin' is sometimes used in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects and deter common pests from more vulnerable crops.
- Erosion control: Due to its dense growth habit, Sage 'Tänzerin' can be used in landscaping to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Perfumery: Though not a primary source, the Sage 'Tänzerin' can potentially be used in homemade perfumes for its intriguing scent, particularly in herbal or floral fragrance blends.
- Mood enhancement: The plant's bright flowers and pleasant scent can be incorporated into garden designs intended to create a calming and joyful atmosphere for mental wellbeing.
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: Salvia is derived from the Latin word "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal." Salvia has been used in traditional medicine for its healing properties, so it symbolizes health and well-being.
- Wisdom: Sage, the most common name for Salvia, has been associated with wisdom and longevity. It often represents the wisdom that comes with a long life and experience.
- Protection: Throughout history, sage has been used in various cultures for cleansing and protection against evil. It symbolizes safety and spiritual protection.
- Purity: Sage is often considered a purifying plant, used in rituals to cleanse spaces and auras of negativity, thus symbolizing purity and the removal of negative influences.
WaterWoodland Sage should be watered deeply and the soil allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Typically, it requires about 1 inch of water weekly, either from rainfall or direct watering. During hot and dry periods, you may need to water Woodland Sage twice a week to maintain adequate soil moisture. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot; this can be prevented by ensuring the plant is in well-draining soil. Test the soil moisture by touching the soil—only water if it feels dry an inch below the surface.
LightWoodland Sage thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates. The best spot for this plant would be an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are in a region with intense summer heat, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant.
TemperatureWoodland Sage is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best in conditions between 60°F and 70°F. It typically can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. To ensure robust growth, protect it from extreme cold and avoid exposure to conditions below freezing for prolonged periods.
PruningWoodland Sage should be pruned to encourage fuller growth and more vigorous blooming. Cut back the plant in early spring to promote fresh growth and again after the first flush of flowers to stimulate a second blooming cycle. The best time for pruning is when new growth appears at the base of the plant, indicating the start of the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Meadow Sage 'Tänzerin' prefers a well-draining soil mix, combining two parts garden soil, one part coarse sand or perlite, and one part compost. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMeadow Sage 'Tänzerin' should ideally be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish nutrients and prevent overcrowding of roots.
Humidity & MistingMeadow Sage 'Tänzerin' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives in moderate conditions, without the need for high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and minimal water indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water sparingly when established.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × sylvestris 'Tänzerin', commonly known as Woodland Sage 'Tänzerin', begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Upon germination, the seedlings will develop true leaves and gradually mature into young plants, a phase that may include transplanting to ensure adequate space for growth. Throughout the spring and summer, the plants enter a vegetative state, growing foliage and forming sturdy stems in preparation for flowering. In late spring to early summer, the Woodland Sage 'Tänzerin' will start to produce spikes of showy, purple or violet-blue flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, these flowers will set seed, completing the reproductive stage of the life cycle. The plant will then enter a period of dormancy in the winter, where it may die back to the ground, only to regrow from the rootstock or remaining seeds with the return of favorable conditions in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia × sylvestris 'Tänzerin', commonly known as Woodland Sage, can be propagated most effectively by taking stem cuttings in the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy stem with new growth, cut a 3 to 5-inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) portion just below a leaf node, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The stem cutting can then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand to retain moisture without being waterlogged. The cutting should be kept under high humidity, either with a plastic cover or in a propagator, and in bright, indirect light until roots have established, which often takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the young plant can be transferred to a more permanent location in the garden, and will eventually mature into a flowering specimen, generally within a year.
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