Judas Sage, Sticky Sage

salvia glutinosa

Also known as: ["Sticky Sage","Yellow Sage"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Salvia Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with sticky leaves and yellow flowers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Botanical Name: Salvia glutinosa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings or woodland gardens with partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or bright indirect light per day.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler conditions but avoid frost.

Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering; protect from frost or heatwaves.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly to avoid overfeeding; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in late fall.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use peat moss.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth indicates establishment.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or weak stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing or browning of leaves.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C); use mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt or scorch; growth may slow; increased water demand.

Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide shade during peak heat; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Salvia glutinosa may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Salvia glutinosa can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Salvia glutinosa may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Salvia glutinosa due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Salvia glutinosa is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Salvia glutinosa is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Salvia glutinosa is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Salvia glutinosa toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Salvia glutinosa attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: What are the common problems with Salvia glutinosa?

A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and leaf spots.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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