Woodland Sage Salvia × sylvestris 'Viola Klose'
ABOUT
'Viola Klose' is a variety of Woodland Sage known for its striking appearance and attractive features. This perennial plant boasts lush, green foliage, forming a dense, mounding clump. The leaves are elongated and slightly wrinkled with a textured surface, often with a grayish-green tinge that makes them stand out. As for its flowers, 'Viola Klose' produces an abundance of vibrant purple-blue blooms that are arranged in a whorled fashion along upright spikes. These flower spikes rise elegantly above the foliage, presenting a bold and colorful statement throughout its blooming period. The blossoms are favored by gardeners for their rich, deep shade of purple with a velvety appearance, dotting gardens with intense pops of color. The plant's overall visual impact is one of lush and lively color that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding dynamic life to wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary
Common names
Salvia × sylvestris 'Viola Klose'.
ToxicityTo humans
Woodland sage, which Salvia × sylvestris 'Viola Klose' is a cultivar of, is generally not considered toxic to humans. It does not typically cause poisoning or adverse reactions when touched or ingested in small amounts. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions or sensitivity could occur, which might include mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in susceptible individuals. It is generally advisable to avoid eating plants that are not commonly recognized as food, as they might cause discomfort or more severe health issues in certain cases.
To pets
Woodland sage, which Salvia × sylvestris 'Viola Klose' is a cultivar of, is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. This means that dogs, cats, and other domestic animals do not typically experience poisoning from this plant. If ingested in large quantities, there could be a risk of mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the digestive system's irritation. It is always best to keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of any non-food plants, as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia x sylvestris 'Viola Klose', commonly known as Woodland Sage, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Woodland Sage has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, with no need for regular watering or fertilizing.
- Long Blooming Period: Woodland Sage offers a long blooming period from late spring to early summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is resistant to deer, which makes it an excellent option for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking violet-blue flowers, Woodland Sage adds vibrant color and texture to garden borders and beds.
- Adaptable Growth: This sage can grow well in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soil, and it can handle different light conditions from full sun to partial shade.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Plant Combinations: Woodland sage can be planted along with other perennials to create aesthetically pleasing combinations in garden borders or flower beds.
- Attracting Wildlife: This plant is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which can help increase the biodiversity in a garden.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers of woodland sage can be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts to add a splash of color.
- Dried Flower Arrangements: The flowers can be dried and used in arrangements or potpourri to bring a natural element to home decor.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists and photographers may use woodland sage as a subject for their work because of its striking color and form.
- Education and Research: Botanists and horticulturists may use woodland sage for teaching and researching plant breeding and hybridization techniques.
- Green Roof Planting: Due to its hardiness, woodland sage may be used in green roofing projects to create sustainable and attractive roof gardens.
- Eco-Friendly Ground Cover: When planted in masses, woodland sage can act as a sustainable ground cover, reducing soil erosion and requiring less maintenance than grass lawns.
- Garden Theme Creation: This plant can be used to create a monochromatic garden theme, using various shades of purple and violet plants for visual impact.
- Plant Photography: Woodland sage can be an ideal subject for macro photography due to its vivid color and intricate flower structure.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Woodland Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Woodland Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom - The name 'Salvia' comes from the Latin word 'salvere' which means "to save" or "to heal", often symbolizing wisdom, good health, and recovery.
- Longevity - Many Salvia species are perennials, representing endurance and long-lasting life.
- Protection - In folklore, some Salvia plants were thought to offer protection against evil.
WaterWoodland sage should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. To prevent root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering. Approximately 1 gallon of water per week is suitable for an established plant, while new plantings may need more frequent watering to ensure proper establishment, possibly requiring twice the amount. During periods of extreme heat or drought, additional watering may be necessary. Adjust the frequency and amount based on rainfall and current weather conditions to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil.
LightWoodland sage thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. The ideal spot for planting is an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily; however, it can also perform well with afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Ensure that the plant is not subjected to prolonged periods of intense midday sun which can scorch the foliage.
TemperatureWoodland sage prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can survive light frosts, it is not tolerant of extreme cold and should be protected if temperatures consistently fall below freezing. Ideal temperature conditions for growth and flowering fall within the moderate range, avoiding the heat extremes of summer and the cold of winter.
PruningWoodland sage can be pruned to remove spent flower spikes after the first flush of blooms to encourage a second bloom period. Pruning in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage from the previous year promotes healthy new growth. Pruning should be done annually but can also be performed as needed throughout the growing season to maintain shape and encourage fresh flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWoodland Sage 'Viola Klose' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, requiring a pH range of 6 to 8. The soil mix should provide good aeration and moisture retention. Adding perlite or coarse sand can improve drainage, while organic matter like compost will enhance fertility.
RepottingWoodland Sage 'Viola Klose' should generally be repotted every 1 to 2 years. Repotting is best done in the early spring before new growth begins, ensuring it has room to grow and fresh soil to thrive in.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Sage 'Viola Klose' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but does best with moderate ambient humidity. It does not require any special humidity considerations when grown outdoors in its suitable hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-drained soil, and occasional watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia × sylvestris 'Viola Klose', also known as Woodland Sage, typically begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in spring or early summer. Germination occurs in a warm, moist environment, usually within a few weeks, giving rise to seedlings. The seedlings develop into young plants, establishing a root system and foliage throughout the growing season. After the first year, the Woodland Sage enters a period of maturity where it will produce stems with dense spikes of violet-blue flowers, usually blooming in late spring to early summer. The plant will continue to bloom throughout the summer, attracting bees and butterflies until the end of the growing season. After flowering, seeds develop and can be dispersed, while the plant itself may die back in the winter, with the roots surviving to regenerate the next spring, completing the perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Salvia × sylvestris 'Viola Klose', commonly known as Woodland Sage, is often propagated by taking softwood cuttings in the late spring to early summer. To do this, a gardener would cut healthy, non-flowering stems around 4-6 inches long, making sure each cutting has at least a couple of pairs of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist but not waterlogged. It's usually recommended to place the cutting in a location with indirect light until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted outdoors.
