How to Successfully Grow Salvias
For all, you weekend warriors that are looking for a plant that will spice up your gardens this spring and also during the summer months I recommend installing salvias. Salvias can give that WOW especially as they are planted in masses mixing the various colors. I have used these plants on many garden projects and have been pleased with the results. There are many types of salvias which means you have many to choose from which I think is pretty cool.
If you are planning a wildlife garden then your choice of installing purple salvias will attract both butterflies, honeybees, and hummingbirds. Salvias are also drought tolerant which again makes this garden beauty a SUPERSTAR so if this sounds good and you would love to make these plants a part of your overall garden design then come on this journey as we enter the fascinating world of salvias.
Planting Location
For the best results when installing salvias look for an area that gets full sunlight, this will help to keep your salvias growing nice and healthy with beautiful blooms.
Soil Type
Although salvias can grow in just about any soil it is best to install them in soil that is well-drained seeing these plants do not like wet feet.
Watering Methods
Salvias are considered to be drought-tolerant which means they can survive on very little water. Once they are given sufficient water allow the soil to dry out before giving them another drink.
Fertilizing Methods
Even though salvias don’t require fertilizing adding compost to the soil will keep them healthy-looking.
Garden insect pests of salvias
Salvias do have their share of garden insect pests which includes.
- Spider Mites
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
- Snails
These garden insect pests cause damage sucking the plant’s fluids which will cause yellowing of the leaves and leaf drop. To bring these garden insect pests under control the use of insecticidal soap will offer some help.
Snails
Snails cause damage by eating parts of your salvia. Snails can be controlled by handpicking and dropping into a bucket of water or by using snail bait.
Diseases of salvias
To keep your salvias growing healthy and thriving free of disease look for these signs.
- Root Rot
- Botrytis Blight
- Powdery Mildew
Root Rot
Root Rot is encouraged by overwatering and poor drainage. Because salvias are considered to be a drought-tolerant plant ensure that the soil has good drainage and do not overwater, allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight is caused by a fungus that is influenced by high humidity. Signs of botrytis blight include discoloration and spots on the flowers. The flower buds that are wilting doesn’t open. To bring this disease under control ensure that the beds are free of debris
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is encouraged by overhead irrigation, watering too late in the afternoon, and poor air circulation by the improper spacing of the plant. To prevent this disease water your plants from the soil level, water early so plants can have time to dry out and when installing plants give proper spacing for air circulation this proper cultural practice will keep your salvias looking great.
Where to install salvias
Here are just a few places to install your salvias.
1. Thes garden beauties can be installed in a rock garden
2. Can be installed as a front drop-in garden area.
3. Install them in colorful masses around the trunks of trees.
4. Installing them alongside a pond will work wonders.
5. Planting them along a garden path walkway will give that WOW.
Deadheading Salvias
Deading salvias are a great way to keep these garden beauties blooming. The reason why deadheading salvias are so important is the removal of the flower stalks which is spent will cause the plants not to set seeds thereby causing your salvias to focus their energy on producing a burst of fresh beautiful vibrant flowers. You can deadhead either by pinching or removing with a hand pruner.
Deadheading with a hand pruner
To remove the stalks with a hand pruner place the hand pruner at the base of the flower stalk and make the cut.
Deadheading by hand
When deadheading by hand, with your fingers, hold firmly the flower stalk from the base this is where the stalks meet the first sets of leaves. The flower stalk should be between your four fingers and thumb. With your fingernails add pressure to remove the stalk.
Container grown salvias
A great way to grow salvias is with the use of containers. This method is called container gardening which I think is pretty cool. To grow these garden beauties from containers you will need.
1. A container
2. A saucer to collect the water
3. A soil that is well-drained
4. A shovel
5. Salvias
Here is how this is done.
1. When using a container ensure that it is large enough for the number of salvias to be installed. The container should also have drain holes to allow water to drain.
2. Place the soil in the container filling the container more than half or almost to the top.
3. Place the salvias into the container giving them a spacing of about 3 inches. This spacing will allow them room to grow and will encourage proper air circulation.
4. Add more of the soil to cover the plant’s entire root ball and press the soil a bit to frim or anchor your salvias.
5. Water your salvias until the water comes out of the drain holes
6. Allow the water to drain until it stops then place your salvias in an area that gets full sun also place the saucer under the container to collect any remaining water.
Additional Information
There are some salvias that are grown as perennials which are.
1. Autumn Sage.
2. Peruvian Sage.
3. Hybrid Sage.
4. Azure Sage.
Another name for salvias as you know already is sage but these are different from the culinary sage which is a herb and is used for cooking.
The final word
Salvias are great to have as a part of your landscape and garden design, these garden plants have so much to offer and with their array of colors can really lighten up your garden area. I have worked with them and have proven them seeing what they can do so go ahead and plant some you will be glad that you did as your garden gives that WOW.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.