sage
Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
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
To keep your Sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca') looking its best, it's best to prune them in early summer after the spring bloom has stopped. Start by removing any wilted, dead, or diseased foliage. Trim any leggy and overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth. To maintain a bushier form, consider snipping a third of the stems back to just above the lowermost leaf set. Lastly, trim off any branching that is heading to the outside of the plant, as this can cause crowding and unsightly bare spots in the center.
sunlight
For optimal growth, Sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca') should be planted in full sunlight for approximately 6-8 hours a day. Early morning and late afternoon sun provide the best sunlight for this species. In zones 4-9, where this plant is usually grown, it needs full sun from spring through early summer. In areas with hot summers, however, afternoon shade is beneficial to provide some relief from the hot sun. Overall, the Sage needs a lot of light to thrive, and making sure it receives adequate direct sunlight will ensure its growth and health.
watering
Sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Lubecca') should be watered once every 5 to 7 days. The amount of water required for your sage will depend on the size and age of the plant, as well as the temperature and climate. In general, you'll want to give sage enough water to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During hotter months, you may need to increase the watering frequency to every 4-5 days. To prevent over-watering, poke your finger into the soil near the base of the plant to feel the soil’s moisture levels before watering. If the soil feels evenly and lightly damp, the plant likely does not need to be watered yet.
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.
