1. Maintaining Rosette Salvia
- Deadhead flowers: Remove faded flowers in the summer to encourage a second bloom.
- Cut stems to new buds: Trim above the new buds on stems.
- Cut back in fall: After the second bloom fades, trim the stems near the base of the plant.
- Winter protection: Insulate the plant if temperatures fall below 20°F (-7°C).
2. Pruning Deciduous Herbaceous Salvia
- Regular pruning: Cut off dead stems and leaves throughout the year, especially in summer and fall.
- Deadhead faded flowers: Trim off wilting flowers to encourage regrowth.
- Trim in summer: Cut stems back to the highest leaves for a tidy shape.
- Cut back in spring: After the last frost, prune the plant low to prepare for the growing season.
3. Maintaining Herbaceous Woody Salvia
- Deadhead flowers: Remove spent flowers year-round to maintain healthy growth.
- Prune stems in summer: Cut back stems to the leaf clusters to control overgrowth.
- Thin the plant: Remove older branches to allow better light penetration.
- Spring pruning: After the final frost, cut the plant close to the soil to stimulate fresh growth.
4. Pruning Evergreen Salvia
- Trim branches regularly: Prune throughout the year to keep the plant well-shaped.
- Fall pruning: Remove damaged or faded flowers and branches.
- Winter pruning: Reduce the size of the plant and remove damaged growth, but avoid excessive pruning.
- Severe winter cutback: If the plant is overgrown, reduce it to 1/3 of its size for rejuvenation.
Tips:
- Always use sharp pruning shears.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Avoid excessive pruning to prevent plant stress.