Whorled Sage
salvia verticillata
Also known as: ["Purple Sage","Whorled Clary"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with whorled leaves and lavender-blue flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Botanical Name: | Salvia verticillata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, borders, or containers in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging; good drainage is essential to avoid root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate average garden soil but prefers enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly during the growing season; perform a more significant prune in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or spent flowers and shaping the plant; more aggressive pr
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak afternoon heat; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); adaptable to a range of soil conditions.
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights; avoid extreme heat or frost.
Protect from frost; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during the growing season
Fertilize lightly to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not under stress.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth for rooting.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates, especially for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 4–6 weeks; full establishment takes 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; cut just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or damaged stems entirely.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Clean tools; remove dead/damaged stems; deadhead regularly; shape as needed; disinfect tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing overcrowding.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency during hot, dry periods; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in response to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, or lead to frost damage if unprotected.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use frost cloth for protection in cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to water stress and heat shock.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSalvia verticillata is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of poisoning in felines from this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSalvia verticillata is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of poisoning in canines from this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSalvia verticillata is not known to have toxic effects on humans under normal conditions. It is commonly used in gardens and landscapes without reported adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Salvia verticillata?
A: It can be propagated by division in spring or by seed in autumn.
Q: Does Salvia verticillata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Salvia verticillata?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and moderate watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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