This plant has been near death with very little growth for 2 years. I moved it this fall into part sun (from shade) and into a pot that has very gravelly, well draining soil. It has filled out and is even trying to bloom! I wonder how it will fair in this soil and position during the dog days of summer? Any one have experience or ideas?
C
Here is a close up of the buds, imagine that when its near December.
C
Yes mine is blooming now, they bloom late, I would take it into the garage during the freeze then being it back out.
I think it will do fine in the pot during the summer, but you will have to water it often.
This message was edited Nov 23, 2010 3:13 PM
It survived last winter outside so I think I am taking my chances. Can it tolerate really dry conditions?
C
Yes, but was it in the ground? it makes a difference you know, here is what they say;
http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SARE4
I don't like my plants to wilt, but everyone has their own opinion.
I know that it does but it has done so poorly in the ground I am going to leave it in the pot. I do have a back up in case this one doesn't make it. I don't think any plant does well if it is constantly wilted. I just worry that such well draining soil will be a problem in the heat. The plant needs to be moved to my dryest bed, the one I am growing the skeleton leaf in. In the spring I will make room for it. How big is it? height and width. Mine have been so pitiful I can't really tell.
C
The link says 3 to 6 feet but I like to keep mine more compact so I prune it when I think it needs it.
It may have done poorly because it was in the shade? Mine loves as much sun as it can get.
Carla
Do they always bloom this late? I was thinking it might be related to the heat here.
C
Yes, they generally bloom after the heat has broken. Mine blooms late Sept, early Oct.
Carla
The one I planted in the ground in a location that does not receive a lot of sun did not prosper as well as the one that receives a lot of sun (7 feet tall, 4 feet wide). They both received some freeze damage to tender branches last winter which was unusually cold; however, they rebounded well. The one doing the best is in a dry, hot location with fast draining soil.
It blows my mind that this plant is now blooming in my yard. Unfortunately frost is coming and I fear that will put an end to its blooms. I cannot say enough about how lovely this plant is and I am definately going to find a few places for it in some better draining beds. Who knows maybe next year it will bloom before winter!
C
Bring it in for the night Cheryl, it doesn't have to quit blooming tonight.
Mine bloom in late spring and early summer; however,not as heavily as in the fall. They rebloom in late August through the first freeze.
I did drag it in, it's heavy! Just not ready to give up on summer yet LOL. I am wondering if I can take some cuttings and start them in the house this winter?
C
Yes, I think you can, give them light and keep them moist, they are not hard to root.
In that case,it will be on my want list next RU! Sounds wonderful!
Now now don't count your salvia before they hatch or whatever. I hope I do have a few to bring but it all depends on how cuttings do indoors this time of year. This is not the easiest plant I have tried to grow. The NPIN and other sources say it likes shade but I don't think it really does. I like the flower and leaf form on this plant.
C
wanting and receiving are two different things! I admire the people who have their plants already potted before they even offer them. Certainly takes the pressure off trying to root one.
