autumn sage

Autumn sage plants should be watered 2 to 3 times a week depending on the temperature and the humidity. The ideal temperature range for Autumn sage is between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature exceeds this range, water once a day during the heat of the day. During colder weather, water less and make sure the soil remains slightly moist but not wet. In hotter, dryer weather, increase the amount of water. Make sure the soil is always kept slightly moist, but not soggy. As a rule of thumb, let the top 2-3 inches of the soil dry out before watering. It's also important to water thoroughly and evenly, so that the entire root system gets the hydration it needs.

Autumn Sage requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. Morning sun is best, as afternoons are often too hot and the intense heat can damage the leaves. During the summer months the plant should be placed in partial shade during the hottest parts of the day, such as mid-afternoon. When grown in cooler climates, the plant can tolerate full sun all day. For best results, it is best to choose a location that receives sunlight for the majority of the day, but contantly monitoring the intensity and duration of the sunlight and moving to a shadier spot if the leaves appear to be wilting.

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii 'Wild Thing') should be pruned twice during the growing season. The first pruning should take place in late winter or early spring as soon as new growth begins to emerge. This pruning should remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Then in late summer or early fall, additional pruning can be done to reshape and reduce the size of the plant. Prune off any wilting stems, and thin crowded areas if desired, while keeping the compact and somewhat mounding shape of the plant. Pruning should be limited to no more than 1-third of the plant foliage at a single time.