sage

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.

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.

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.