sage
Salvia 'Balsalmisp' MYSTIC SPIRES BLUE
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Hardiness Zone:
7 - 10
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
pruning
Pruning Sage (Salvia 'Balsalmisp' MYSTIC SPIRES BLUE) should be done on an as-needed basis. Pruning should take place as soon as the stems become too long or in late winter to early spring. Generally, this variety of sage should be trimmed back to roughly half of its original height. This will minimize legginess and encourage more stem branching, creating a bushier and more robust plant. Remove spent flowers during the blooming season if desired. It’s also a good idea to deadhead your sage throughout the summer and into early fall. Doing so will help to promote more prolific flowering and keep your plants looking their best.
sunlight
Sage (Salvia 'Balsalmisp' MYSTIC SPIRES BLUE) prefers 6 to 8 hours of sun per day and does best when planted in an area with full sun. If planted in partial shade, it may suffer from lack of flowering. It is also important to provide your sage with protection from strong winds as they can damage the delicate foliage. It is best to plant sage in the morning sunshine as the sun's rays are not as intense. For winter protection, 1 should plant sage in the mid-morning sun and provide afternoon shade by placing it near a south-facing wall or fence.
watering
Sage requires regular watering, but should not be overwatered, as this can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to a depth of 2-3 inches. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant. During the active growing season (spring and summer) water every 7-10 days, depending on the humidity and temperatures. Let the soil dry after watering before re-watering, as this will reduce the chances of fungal diseases.
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.
