Meadow Sage
salvia pratensis
Also known as: ["Meadow Clary","Common Sage"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, known for its vibrant blue or violet flowers and aromatic foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Botanical Name: | Salvia pratensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in open areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to remove spent blooms and leggy growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; provide dappled shade in extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds for better drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid leggy growth; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common 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.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; plants establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut stems just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and promote flowering.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out root balls; place in a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots gently; 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 early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause root damage or dieback.
Solution: Provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower drop, and reduced vigor.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
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 growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSalvia pratensis is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with accidental ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSalvia pratensis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with accidental ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSalvia pratensis, commonly known as meadow clary, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for its mild therapeutic properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Salvia pratensis grow?
A: It typically grows to 30–80 cm in height.
Q: Does Salvia pratensis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is Salvia pratensis suitable for container gardening?
A: While possible, it thrives best in garden beds due to its spreading habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
