Purple Sage: Planting and Care Instructions

Purple sage.
What You'll Need
Compost
Soil
Pruning scissors
What You'll Need
Compost
Soil
Pruning scissors

Purple sage, also known as Salvia, is an evergreen shrub that is both inexpensive and hardy. As a native desert plant, sage bushes are accustomed to drought and heavy sun. They making them a worthwhile addition to any garden. For more information about Salvia planting and care, read on.

Characteristics of the Purple Sage Plant

Purple sage is a perennial plant, meaning it recovers each year without replanting. Although it may grow to hedge size, many people prefer to keep purple sage bushes 12 to 18 inches high. They bud several times per year, typically after a heavy rainfall or during periods of high humidity. They have no specific soil requirements, and they necessitate little care throughout the year.

Tips for Planting Purple Sage

It is best to plant purple sage in the spring, when there is no longer chance of a snowfall or frost. Ensure that your garden or flowerbed has at least 15 inches of loose soil for Salvia’s root system. Mixing in compost with the soil may help the plant to grow more quickly as well.

Purple sage plants should be spaced two to three feet apart to allow for full growth. When preparing to plant your sage bush, dig a hole that is approximately twice as wide as the top of the flowerpot and deep enough that the entire root system of the plant can fit under the soil. Carefully remove the sage from the flowerpot and transfer it to the hole.

Once you have set the sage bush in the hole such that no part of the root system is above the surface level of the soil, fill in the remaining part of the hole with a soil and compost mixture. Pat the soil gently to firm it and water the plant regularly

Tips for Caring for Purple Sage

One of the benefits of purple sage is that it requires minimal care after planting. Minimal composting, mulching and pruning may be helpful to encourage springtime growth and keep the size of each bush in check.

During the springtime, before the plant has flowered after the winter season, lay a 1 to 2 inch layer of compost around the base of each plant, then add an equal layer of mulch to help control weed growth.

Prune your purple sage plants back during flowering to encourage additional growth. However, this does mean cutting off the flowering parts of the plant. If you prefer, wait to prune the plant back until the first frost of the fall or winter. Trim any dead stems back to just above the soil.

Purple sage is a beautiful plant that is resilient enough to flourish in almost all gardens and soil types. Additionally, it is easy to care for and requires only minimal observation throughout the year. Consider adding purple sage to your yard or garden to augment your home with beautiful purple flowers throughout the year.