sage

Sage should be watered thoroughly once a week, providing about 1 quart of water for every square foot of sage plant. Water the plant until it is moist to the depth of 12 inches and make sure to water the soil and not the foliage. During particularly warm and dry periods, increase your watering frequency to twice a week. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overwatering. It's also important to watch for signs of drought stress such as wilting leaves.

The amount and timing of sunlight that a Sage needs to thrive depends on a number of factors, including what time of year it is and the specific variety of Sage being grown. Generally, this plant species prefers full sun to partial shade, meaning that it needs 6-8 hours of sun throughout the growing season. During the hottest parts of the year, it is best to plant Sage in a location with some protection from direct afternoon sun to avoid sunburn on the leaves. Depending on the climate, the Sage may be able to tolerate some shade during the winter months. Additionally, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, reducing water during fall and winter.

Sage (Salvia transsylvanica 'Blue Cloud') should be pruned in late fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant. In general, pruning of this species should be minimal, as it responds better to light trimming than severe pruning. To maintain its natural shape, simply trim away any dead or damaged stems and cut back flowering stems to their base. If overgrown, older wood should be lightly sheared to encourage regrowth.