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Sage, as an adjective, is defined as "wise through reflection and experience" or "proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence and good judgment." As a noun, sage can refer to "a mature or venerable [person] of sound judgment" or, as us gardeners know it "a European perennial mint (Salvia officinalis) with grayish-green aromatic leaves used especially in flavoring meats." Last, but not least, as a noun sage can also refer to a light grayish green color.
Before becoming an avid gardener, when I heard the word "sage" I thought of the dried leaves on my spice shelf, or the color. But now when I hear the word "sage" I think of all of the wonderful, beautiful varieties of the plant - half a dozen (at least) of which I have planted around my front yard.
Sages can be annual, biennial or perennial, depending on the variety. Many sages are heat and drought-tolerant, making them great additions to gardens in Contra Costa County. Once established, sages can be quite cold-hardy, too. Just cut them back in the winter and next spring they will come right back. Flowers on sages can vary from blue to purple to pink to orange to white. Hummingbirds and bees alike enjoy visiting the flowers of sages, and both are a daily visitors in my front yard.
The biggest presence in my front yard is by far Hot Lips Sage (Salvia microphylla). The bees and hummingbirds love this shrub - which has grown to be one of the largest ornamentals in my front yard at about 4 feet across by at least 4 feet tall. I love the pink and white flowers that bloom spring through fall, and the fact that it is evergreen. When this sage gets too big (like when it starts to take over the sidewalk or encroach on the mailbox) I just cut it back. Easy as can be.
Another sage with a fun name, and beautiful orange to pink color is the Lipstick Sage (Salvia greggii). The elongated blooms on this sage is where it gets its common name. This sage will also bloom from spring through fall. Another drought-tolerant evergreen beauty for any yard.
Sages come in all colors - and I have a few of the purple to blue variety in my yard, too. I love the contrasting colors on the Limelight Sage (Salvia mexicana). The blueish-purplish flowers and the lime-green leaves are stunning. This variety can get pretty tall - up to six feet, so it is less of a shrub than the Hot Lips or the Lipstick sages. It also blooms spring through fall, and is evergreen.
Comments:
Sorry about your problems with Salvias. Generally, they are a forgiving plant where they will grow back even if some mistake is made. Unfortunately, your description of the dying out but apparently recovering doesn't lead me to a ready answer.
For most Salvias that you would cut back, now is the time to do it. However, some only need to be cut back now and then pruned again on the branch when they finish flowering (deadheading). Without further information on your Salvias, cant really give you any more specific advice until we can identify the Salvia.
One way to identify and maybe help with your pruning advice would be to review the web site of one of the premier California Salvia nurseries at Flowers by the Sea (https://www.fbts.com/ask-mr.-sage-how-should-i-prune-my-salvias.html)... note: we would probably disagree with their use of anvil pruners (we recommend bypass), but they are the pros.
... another way would be to submit pictures and/or bring samples to the CC Master Gardeners Help Desk... info below:
***The UC Master Gardeners Program of Contra Costa's Help Desk is available year-round to answer your gardening questions. Except for a few holidays, we're open every week, Monday through Thursday for walk-ins from 9:00 am to Noon at 75 Santa Barbara Road, 2d Floor, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, although we will be moving this spring. We will notify you if/when that occurs. We can also be reached via telephone: (925)646-6586, email:ccmg@ucanr.edu, or on the web at http://ccmg.ucanr.edu/Ask_Us/
Finally, soon there will be Ask A Master Gardener Help Tables at various events in Concord where you can seek advice on the weekends and some weekday evenings even. check out the ccmg.ucanr.edu web site for the soon to be published schedule.
Hopefully, that gets you started on some ideas ... and looking forward to further dialogue leading to your successful and beautiful Salvias.
CHEERS
HOrT COCO editor
There is a lot of Salvia in my yard and I have no clue what varieties they are, do you recommend that they get cut back in now in Mid January and again in May? Is that too late early? I’m in zip 94519.
Posted by Cailin on February 4, 2018 at 7:00 AM