sage
Salvia transsylvanica 'Blue Cloud'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 7
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
pruning
Sage (Salvia transsylvanica 'Blue Cloud') should be pruned in late fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant. In general, pruning of this species should be minimal, as it responds better to light trimming than severe pruning. To maintain its natural shape, simply trim away any dead or damaged stems and cut back flowering stems to their base. If overgrown, older wood should be lightly sheared to encourage regrowth.
sunlight
The amount and timing of sunlight that a Sage needs to thrive depends on a number of factors, including what time of year it is and the specific variety of Sage being grown. Generally, this plant species prefers full sun to partial shade, meaning that it needs 6-8 hours of sun throughout the growing season. During the hottest parts of the year, it is best to plant Sage in a location with some protection from direct afternoon sun to avoid sunburn on the leaves. Depending on the climate, the Sage may be able to tolerate some shade during the winter months. Additionally, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, reducing water during fall and winter.
watering
Sage should be watered thoroughly once a week, providing about 1 quart of water for every square foot of sage plant. Water the plant until it is moist to the depth of 12 inches and make sure to water the soil and not the foliage. During particularly warm and dry periods, increase your watering frequency to twice a week. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overwatering. It's also important to watch for signs of drought stress such as wilting leaves.
Lantana, or Lantana camara, is a beautiful and popular flower choice for Zone 9 gardens. This evergreen shrub produces vibrant clusters of purple, pink, orange, yellow, or white flowers and is often used as both a perennial and annual in warmer climates. Lantana is considered deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for novice gardeners and those with dry gardens. Lantana does best when it receives full sunlight, regular water, and fertilizer. It is generally a low-maintenance plant, and is able to tolerate both high and low temperatures. Homeowners in Zone 9 can also enjoy lantana in a number of ways – it can be used as a border along pathways or gardens, as a ground cover, or in containers. Lantana is also known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it an ideal choice for the environmentally conscious gardener. Pruning is necessary to keep lantana tidy, with it generally done around early summer. As a tropical species, lantana will die back to the ground when temperatures drop to freezing; however, it will typically bloom again in the spring.
