Hi folks! I’m new to gardening and looking for some suggestions for my salvia greggi (I think?) It’s pretty dry and leggy, especially towards base of the plant. Should I cut it back now or wait till later in the season? Thanks in advance!
I would not cut now while the plant is stressed. While my greggiis have never needed supplemental water in the past, I’ve actually had to begin watering them in the last month… I hadn’t been paying attention and realized they were all like 2/3rds dead. Since I began watering, the remaining living sections have greened up, started putting on new leaves, and are now blooming.
So, I’d start giving it regular water for a bit, once this rain passes through since I assume it won’t be enough.
Craix8
Mine are looking really bad too. They perked up after watering but they are tired. I don’t prune, but if so prune take no more than 1/4 off but don’t cut it all the way back.
isurus79
It’s the end of the season. You can cut back a bit and they might bloom again before the first freeze. Or just leave it and wait for spring flowers.
According_Ad5303
As u/nutmeggy2214 said, due to the growing development and removal of soil biota we are experiencing increasing ecological stress even on our natives. Supplemental water for a bit until the weather rebounds then cut back if you want things tidy in December or mid November.
4 Comments
I would not cut now while the plant is stressed. While my greggiis have never needed supplemental water in the past, I’ve actually had to begin watering them in the last month… I hadn’t been paying attention and realized they were all like 2/3rds dead. Since I began watering, the remaining living sections have greened up, started putting on new leaves, and are now blooming.
So, I’d start giving it regular water for a bit, once this rain passes through since I assume it won’t be enough.
Mine are looking really bad too. They perked up after watering but they are tired. I don’t prune, but if so prune take no more than 1/4 off but don’t cut it all the way back.
It’s the end of the season. You can cut back a bit and they might bloom again before the first freeze. Or just leave it and wait for spring flowers.
As u/nutmeggy2214 said, due to the growing development and removal of soil biota we are experiencing increasing ecological stress even on our natives. Supplemental water for a bit until the weather rebounds then cut back if you want things tidy in December or mid November.