Caring For Salvias Golden Rules: Leila Jackson

If you're an avid gardener, then it's likely you know a thing or two about Salvia plants. These beautiful perennials come in a wide range of colors and bloom throughout the summer months. However, if you want your Salvia plants to thrive year after year, there are some golden rules you should follow. In this article, we'll take a closer look at caring for salvias with expert advice from Leila Jackson.

1. Understanding Salvia Plants

Before you start caring for your Salvia plants, it's essential to understand their growing habits. Salvia plants come in many varieties, but they all require similar growing conditions. Typically, they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Some species can survive in partial shade or dappled sunlight. However, they will not flower as much as those planted in full sun.

It's important to note that Salvia plants are drought-tolerant, which means they don't like to be overwatered. When planting Salvia, make sure to give them plenty of space to grow and spread out. They can grow up to three feet tall, so placing them at the back of your garden bed is ideal.

2. Watering Salvia Plants

As previously mentioned, Salvia plants are drought-tolerant and do not like to be overwatered. Therefore, it's best to water them deeply but infrequently. This means soaking the soil around the plant every seven to ten days, depending on the climate and rainfall in your area. During hot spells or prolonged periods of dry weather, you may need to water more frequently.

However, always avoid watering the leaves of the Salvia plant, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, aim to water the base of the plant directly.

3. Pruning Salvia Plants

Pruning Salvia plants is essential to keep them looking healthy and blooming throughout the summer months. It's best to prune Salvia plants in early spring before new growth appears. This will encourage bushier growth and more blooms later in the season.

You can also deadhead Salvia plants by removing spent flowers. This will encourage new growth and extend the flowering period of the plant. Deadheading can be done throughout the growing season as needed.

4. Fertilizing Salvia Plants

Fertilizing Salvia plants is not necessary but can help promote healthier growth and more blooms. If you choose to fertilize your Salvia plants, it's best to do so in early spring before new growth appears. You can use a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for flowering plants.

However, be careful not to over-fertilize your Salvia plants, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Salvia plant in full bloom

5. Protecting Salvia Plants

Salvia plants are generally hardy and can withstand most pests and diseases. However, they are susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. To prevent root rot, make sure to plant Salvia in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Another way to protect your Salvia plants is to provide them with some shelter from strong winds. Salvia plants have delicate stems and can easily break or become damaged in high winds. Placing them near a wall or fence can help provide some protection.

Closeup of purple salvia flowers.

6. Propagating Salvia Plants

If you want to propagate your Salvia plants, the best time to do so is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. You can propagate Salvia plants by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil. Make sure to remove any leaves from the bottom of the cutting and keep the soil moist until roots develop.

Alternatively, you can divide established Salvia plants in early spring before new growth appears. Divide the plant into smaller clumps, making sure each clump has its own root system.

7.

Following these golden rules for caring for Salvia plants will ensure that they thrive and bloom year after year. Remember to understand the growing habits of Salvia plants, water them deeply but infrequently, prune them in early spring, fertilize them sparingly, protect them from strong winds, and propagate them in late spring or early summer. With these tips from expert gardener Leila Jackson, you'll have a beautiful Salvia garden in no time!

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