sage
Salvia superba 'Merleau'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 8
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
pruning
Sage (Salvia superba 'Merleau') should be pruned regularly to keep the plant healthy and encourage branched growth. Pruning should be done in early spring before the start of the growing season. During this time, remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin out any overly dense growth. Be careful not to remove more than a third of the foliage. Additionally, prune any branches to maintain the desired shape or size of the plant. After the initial light pruning in spring, prune again in the late summer or early fall. This pruning should focus on removing any spent flower stalks back to just above the first set of leaves, and cutting back the tips of the stems back to promote branching.
sunlight
Sage (Salvia superba 'Merleau') is best grown in a sunny spot, ideally receiving 6 or more hours of full sunlight every day. Early morning sun is preferable, as the plant's flowers tend to fade when exposed to prolonged afternoon sunlight. In climates with hot summers, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from heat stress. For healthy growth, it is important to ensure that the plant is in a spot with plenty of light.
watering
Water Sage (Saliva superba 'Merleau') deeply every 7-10 days during its active growing season (April-September). This may need to vary slightly depending on the weather and region. Check the soil regularly; when it is dry to an inch deep, it is time to water. Aim to keep the soil moist, but not soggy as the plant grows. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is more dormant and the watering intervals may increase to every 10-14 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.
