sage
Salvia nemorosa
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
pruning
The best time for pruning a Sage (Salvia nemorosa) plant is in early spring, just as you begin to see new growth. As a general rule, this should be done immediately after flowering. Prune the old flowering stems back to about 4-6 inches, leaving the basal foliage for new growth. Also remove any dead, diseased or damaged stems and foliage. Thinning out and deadheading the stems will encourage the plant to become bushier and promote more flowers. Avoid cutting Sage too aggressively, as this may reduce the number of flowers the plant produces.
sunlight
Sage (Salvia nemorosa) prefers sunny locations and will produce the most colorful flowers in full sun. Full sun is defined as 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. Without enough sunlight, the plants will not thrive and may remain stunted in growth. Morning or early afternoon sunlight is best since it is less intense than the powerful afternoon sun. If you are planting sage in partial sun, make sure it receives a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.
watering
Sage (Salvia nemorosa) requires regular watering, about 1 inch of water a week. Water the plants most deeply and frequently during extremely dry or hot weather conditions. Once sage is established, water deeply about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Allow sage plants to completely dry out between waterings to prevent root rot and fungal diseases. Too much water can cause root rot and other issues. To avoid oversaturation of the soil, avoid splashing the leaves or crown of the plant. Even though the leaves may wilt during a drought, the plant will usually recover with a good soaking. Sage is generally very drought tolerant, and can go for weeks without water.
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.
