Species lilac sage Guide

lilac sage

Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Smoky purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Water Lilac Sage (Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain') with 1-2 inches of water every 10-14 days during its growing season. It is best to water in the morning to have the water seep deep into the soil. When the plant has finished flowering for the season, reduce the amount of water given and begin to allow the soil to dry out between watering. During the winter months, it is important to water only when the top few inches of soil have completely dried out.

sunlight

Lilac sage (Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain') prefers full sun or at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. When giving your plant the sunlight it needs, be sure not to keep it in too intense of a light for too long, as this can cause it to become scorched. Too little light will not only cause your plant to be stunted but can also lead to a decrease in flowering. Therefore, it is best to give your lilac sage morning sunlight when the intensity is not too strong, and then place it in a shadier spot in the afternoon to avoid over-exposure.

pruning

Lilac Sage (Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain') should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring. Depending on the size of the plant, a light to moderate pruning may be needed. Start by cutting back any dead wood and any branches that cross into 1 another. Then selectively remove the longer, outer stems, allowing the centre of the shrub to remain fuller. Aim to trim back each of the stems so that they all measure around 15-20cm in length. Be sure to keep the majority of the nutrients around the base of the plant. If the pruning is too severe, it can weaken the growth and reduce flowering potential.