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Salvia haematodes
Salvia haematodes
Salvia haematodes
Salvia haematodes
Salvia haematodes

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Salvia haematodes

(Red Veined Sage) In 1827, John Wilkes referred to Salvia haematodes as "Bloody Sage" in his Encyclopaedia Londinensis, Volume 22. This might seem mysterious when first viewing the sage's upright yet somewhat relaxed spikes of whorled, violet-colored flowers.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Red Veined Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 4 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 12"/18"/24"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun to partial shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 1 foot or less
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
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  • Salvia haematodes
  • Salvia haematodes
  • Salvia haematodes
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Red Veined Sage) In 1827, John Wilkes referred to Salvia haematodes as "Bloody Sage" in his Encyclopaedia Londinensis, Volume 22. This might seem mysterious when first viewing the sage's upright yet somewhat relaxed spikes of whorled, violet-colored flowers.

However, whether called "bloody" or "red veined," the species gets its common names from the red veins on the underside of its basal foliage. The large leaves are blue-green and shaped like spear tips.

Red Veined Sage is a petite, long-blooming species that has fragrant foliage. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and is a good solution for damp parts of the yard. Although water loving, this perennial can get by on average watering. Also, it is an extremely cold-hardy species.

Honeybees and butterflies enjoy the nectar and pollen of Salvia haematodes. Deer stay away from its foliage and its flowers, which are pretty in cut-flower arrangements.

Not that we recommend chewing on them, but the plant's thick roots are used in Indian ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac. Also, a 1984 Indian medical study involving mice shows that the root has analgesic properties.

 A 1984 medical study from India, which involved mice, shows that an extract made from Salvia haematodes root may be an effective analgesic.