- Author: Polly Nelson
- Editor: Noni Todd
Russian Sage
By Polly Nelson UCCE Master Gardener
Common Name: Russian Sage
Scientific name: Perovskia
Planting area: Sunset zones 2-24
Size: 3-5 ft tall, 2–4-ft spread
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Exposure: Full sun
Pruning needs: Annually to stimulate new growth
Water needs: Low, once established
Snapshot: Russian sage may look like a California native sage, but it has its origins in western and central Asia. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is a woody perineal shrub that blooms in summer and into fall. Green whorled leaves grow at the lower end of a square stem, topped with spires of delicate tubular flowers growing in shades of light blue to purple. The blooms do not have an obvious scent, but the fragrance of crushed leaves in your hand is heady.
Full sun is essential; if insufficient, the blooms will not stand upright, and the plant will sprawl. Russian sage grows in most soils, tolerating even poor soil, if well-draining. Planting in the fall is ideal. Plant 2-3 feet apart in a garden bed, or closer together to create low-lying hedges or to concentrate color, such as in a meadow. It can be grown in large containers if water is sufficient.
Water 2-3 times per week when initially planted during the first year (in the absence of rain), then reduce to weekly for in-ground plants. Overwatering will lead to root rot. In containers, the water needs will be greater, and can be monitored based on soil needs and outside temperatures.
Cut back down to two inches high in late winter or early spring to make room for new growth. Fertilize after pruning. Use a slow-release 5-10-5 fertilizer around the base of the plant and scratching it into the soil. Apply according to label instructions.
Propagation from seeds can be done any time of the year. Simply cover seeds lightly with soil and keep damp until roots are established. Collect softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer to propagate with stem cuttings. Monitor your plants for unwanted spreading over time.
If you are looking for a plant that requires little care and thrives where other plants will not, the Russian sage plant may be for you!
Our Advice to Grow By Workshops are back!!!
Our next workshop will be Saturday October 15th, 2022, at 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. in our Seven Sisters demonstration garden at 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. The topic will be “Soil Improvements for the Home Garden”. Register at http://ucanr.edu/atgbsoil
You can also view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email questions to anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
Our physical offices are now open!!!!!
Covid may still affect staffing levels, so it is best to call before heading to your local Helpline office:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939 (Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:00)
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190 (Wednesday 10:00 to 12:00)
Templeton: 805-434-4105 (Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00)
- Author: Phyllis Molnar
- Editor: Noni Todd
Caltrans And Roadside Plants
By Phyllis A Molnar UCCE Master Gardener
While driving the roadways in California, have you ever wondered who planted those roadside plants? Why did they choose that shrub or tree? I had the opportunity to have these, and other questions answered by Landscape Architect, Corby Kilmer, who works for Caltrans District 5. Ms. Kilmer is involved in designing highway landscape projects for District 5 which includes San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterrey, and Santa Barbara Counties. There is a total of 12 Caltrans Districts in California.
Ms. Kilmer confirmed that all landscape design projects strive to provide drivers and passengers a visually pleasing travel experience. All design projects begin with an assessment of the visual quality of the area, which may be near a railway system, a city center, a housing complex, farmland, desert, woodlands, or wetlands. Let us not forget the importance of protection and enhancement of existing native plant species, erosion control, sound mitigation; aesthetically pleasing structures such as walls, bridges, rest areas and vista points, while preventing any negative environmental impacts. Ms. Kilmer emphasized that CALTRANS focuses on landscape designs that help prevent or manage the spread of insect pests and disease while protecting native flora and fauna and their habitats. Native and drought tolerant plant species are preferred due to California's past, current, and most likely future drought conditions. The selected plants require only short-term watering to establish the plant's root system.
Final landscape designs include all structures, irrigation specs, mulching details and a plant species list that includes the size and quantity of plants and their intended location for the site. All design projects are included in the “Looking Ahead” project report listing which includes all upcoming CALTRANS construction, architectural and engineering contracts. CALTRANS does not have its own plant nursery. Therefore, landscaping contracts are awarded to the lowest cost bidder with excellent references and an existing relationship with a nursery that is certified with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to ensure plants are disease and pest free.
We want to thank Ms. Kilmer and the CALTRANS Landscape Division for their time and efforts in developing water-conscious landscapes for our California roadways. Take a moment to enjoy the view during your next road trip!
How to contact the UCCE Master Gardeners:
You can view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email questions to anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
Our physical offices are now open!!!!!
Covid may still affect staffing levels, so it is best to call before heading to your local Helpline office:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939 (Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:00)
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190 (Wednesday 10:00 to 12:00)
Templeton: 805-434-4105 (Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00)
- Author: Leonard Cicerello
- Editor: Noni Todd
Microclimates
By Leonard Cicerello, UCCE Master Gardener
“I planted a peach tree three years ago, and the tree has not produced one decent peach.”
Kathleen H. Cayucos
UC Master Gardeners have to be vigilant when we're asked gardening questions. Our response often begins by asking home gardeners where they live. Our coastal microclimates in Cambria and Morro Bay differ greatly from the inland climates of Paso Robles and Atascadero.
Microclimates are assessed by relative temperature, humidity, amount of sunshine, marine layer, air movement, and soil. Seasonal temperatures would be the most important factor in selecting the right plant for your site. Selecting the right plant for the right place is particularly important for fruit and nut bearing plants. Flowering plants, such as azaleas and camellias, also require a specific climate in order to bloom as expected.
When plant shopping, take time to read plant tags and ask an employee about any special needs of the plant you're contemplating. If you're looking for a fruit or nut tree, know how many chill hours your microclimate offers before making any purchases. Nursery plant tags will show the minimum number of chill hours fruiting trees require.
All fruit and nut bearing trees and plants have a dormant period, during which they must be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees for a certain length of time to set fruiting buds. The length of time fruit and nut trees must be exposed to these colder temperatures is referred to as chill hours and the requirement varies by variety. There are scores of hybrid fruit and nut bearing plants, and each has its own minimum requirement of chill hours. Two notable exceptions include avocados and citrus, which do not require chill hours.
Coastal areas with a heavy marine influence do not get as cold as the inland areas. However, plant breeders have been masterful at developing fruit and nut trees that require fewer chill hours and will do well in these coastal areas. Local nurseries typically sell what grows well in the region. Do your research before shopping. Whether you want to grow something edible or ornamental, matching a plant's climatic requirements with your microclimate will improve your chances of gardening success.
Our Advice to Grow By Workshops are back!!!
Our next workshop will be September 17th, 2022, at 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. in our Seven Sisters demonstration garden at 2154 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. The topic will be “Tool Maintenance and Repair” and “Rainwater Collection for Home gardeners”. Register at http://ucanr.edu/atgbtools
You can also view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email questions to anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
Our physical offices are now open!!!!!
Covid may still affect staffing levels, so it is best to call before heading to your local Helpline office:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939 (Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:00)
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190 (10:00 to 12:00)
Templeton: 805-434-4105 (Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00)
- Author: Andrea Peck
- Editor: Noni Todd
Lewisia Elise
By Andrea Peck UCCE Master Gardener
Common name: Lewisia Elise
Scientific name: Lewisia cotyledon 'Elise'
Planting area: perennial in USDA zones 3-8
Size: 4”-6” tall and 8”-10” Wide
Bloom Season: spring, summer.
Exposure: full sun; in very hot climates, place in shade.
Pruning needs: none
Water needs: drought tolerant once established.
Snapshot:
If you're looking for a prom queen for your garden, look no further than Lewisia 'Elise.' Not just a pretty face, Elise garnered the coveted Fleuroselect Gold Medal---an international award given only to high performing ornamental plants. The Elise varietal fits the bill as an all-around beautiful and sturdy perennial that gets into those dry corners of your garden and thrives. Elise blooms continually from spring to winter and comes in a mix of colors from pink to salmon, white, and rose. The bright pops of color are a sight for sore eyes—-particularly considering that the plant is often used in xeriscaping where greens and browns dominate. This plant grows slowly. Its leaves are long and thin, green in color and have a tough, succulent-type appearance.
If there is one achilles heel of this plant, and that is overwatering--clay soil or overly wet conditions will be the death of Lewisia Elise. The soil must be quick draining, even sandy or gritty, to avoid the potential for rot. Lewisia is often used in rock gardens or retaining walls. In and around rocks, bricks, or hardscaping, Elise shines. A monthly feeding of an all-purpose fertilizer should be enough to make sure it has the nutrients it needs. During that time, clip the plant of old dried leaves that tend to rest at the base of the plant---doing so will increase air circulation. Propagating Lewisia is not difficult as the plant eventually produces offshoots. Carefully clip off the offshoot from the parent plant. Pot it separately and water it in, being mindful not to overwater. Finally, enjoy your unusual little plant. It's rare to get a shock of princess colors wrapped in a drought tolerant hardy plant.
We are still here
You can view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email us questions at anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
Our physical offices are closed, but you can still reach us:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190
Templeton: 805-434-4105
- Author: Polly Nelson
- Editor: Noni Todd
Nepeta
By Polly Nelson UCCE Master Gardener
Common Name: Nepeta
Genus, Family: Nepeta, Lamiaceae
Planting area: Sunset 1-24
Size: Six inches to one foot tall, 2 feet wide.
Bloom season: Spring to fall
Exposure: Full sun, most can tolerate part shade
Pruning needs: Mid-summer, fall
Water needs: Moderate to low
Snapshot:
If you enjoy lavender, Salvias and rosemary in your yard, then you might want to take a look at Nepeta. It is from the mint family, as is rosemary. You and your feline friends may be familiar with catnip (Nepeta cataria); a cousin often confused with N. faassenii or N. racemosa. Catnip is more aromatic but has fewer ornamental attributes than Nepeta.
Nepeta actively grows prostrate or in low mounds. Some grow up to a foot tall. The leaves are heart-shaped at the base, oval at the tip with scalloped edges, are deeply veined and have a soft, hairy texture. The gray-green color contrasts with the blue-violet two-lipped flowers that cluster on long spikes. Nepeta blooms late-spring through summer.
Choose a planting location with well-drained soil in full sun. Clay, sandy or loamy soil will do fine with attention to watering. Nepeta also does well in containers. Containers are recommended to minimize spreading, as this plant readily reseeds itself.
Prune Nepeta twice a year to maximize bloom production and manage the plant's appearance. After the first round of blooms has finished, use pruning shears to cut back one-third to one-half of the plant to encourage a second bloom, then water well. In the fall, remove spent flowers (this helps minimize reseeding) and dead foliage to get rid of hiding places for pests.
Propagating new plants is done in spring, primarily in one of two ways. Propagate by division every 3-4 years by slicing off a section of the plant with several shoots and good roots. Replanting in the desired location, water well and treat it as a new plant with regular water needs for the first year. A second way to propagate is by taking three-inch cuttings from healthy shoots before buds form. Place the cutting in moist medium (sand or peat-perlite mix). Roots should develop within 3-4 weeks.
Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are attracted to Nepeta; deer are generally not and insect pests are minimal.
Consider adding Nepeta to your garden. Its rich texture and color will add interest and depth to your landscape.
We are still here
You can view workshops on Instagram live at slo_mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email us questions at anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
Our physical offices are closed, but you can still reach us:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190
Templeton: 805-434-4105
