sage
Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
pruning
Sage (Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue') should be pruned twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. In the spring during March or April, trim 3-4 inches off of the top of the plant, and remove the woody stems. This will encourage the growth of fresh, new foliage. In the fall around late October, prune to an overall height of 6-8 inches. Trim off the long stems and leaves to maintain the shape of the plant and thin out any dense areas. This will promote air circulation and help to reduce the risk of diseases or pests.
sunlight
Sage (Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue') should be given full sun for optimal growing conditions. The best time of day for this plant to absorb the sun's rays is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. During this period, the plant should recieve a minimum of 6 hours of direct light from the sun. While it may still benefit from some shade, too much shade may cause the plant to produce few flowers or to become spindly.
watering
Water sage once a week, and keep the soil lightly moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. To check if your sage needs water, stick a finger into the soil. If the top of the soil feels dry, give it a drink. Give the plant roughly 1 inch of water, or enough to moisten the entire root ball. Do not let the soil dry out between waterings. During periods of extreme heat, water sage every 3-4 days.
Season
Hardiness Map
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.
