Salvia is an herbaceous perennial that is commonly seen in wildflower gardens, landscapes, and even patio planters. They bloom prolifically all season long, attracting loads of beneficial insects and pollinators.
Salvia is a very tough plant, able to withstand the hottest and driest climates. They can thrive in tough soil conditions while also being resistant to pesky critters such as deer and rabbits. These low maintenance plants are very easy-going, but that doesn’t mean they are invincible.
There are some common problems you might see with your Salvia plants. From overwatering to underwatering, pesky insect attacks, and transplant shock – there are a few problems you could run into when growing Salvia. It is important to identify which problem you are dealing with first then take the steps to eradicate it. Let’s talk about a few issues you might run into when growing Salvia.
Salvia usually begins blooming in late spring, and will bloom right into the fall months. Plants that aren’t flowering are usually a sign they are not getting enough sun. Be sure to plant in a location that receives full sun (6-8 hours daily). They require this amount of sun to flower consistently.
Deadheading can also encourage new blooms to sprout. Removing the old spent flowers will keep your plant looking tidy, but it will also encourage the plant to grow.
Plants bloom when they are mature. Therefore, if you have a fairly young plant, it might just not be ready to bloom yet. Most varieties are first-year bloomers, but if you have purchased a young plant and recently transplanted it, it might just take some time before it flowers.
Powdery mildew is a common problem with herbaceous perennials, especially in the rainier months or in very humid climates. When leaves of plants stay too wet for long periods of time and don’t have the chance to dry out, powdery mildew occurs.
This grayish powdery substance is found on the tops of leaves and can spread to other leaves and even your other plants. There are some home remedies to eradicate powdery mildew, but a fungicide application might be necessary if the mildew is pretty far along.
A closely related fungus called downy mildew can also cause leaves to appear white and powdery. Downy mildew is caused by the same conditions but will be seen on the bottom sides of leaves – hence the name. Similar treatments will eradicate downy mildew as they will powdery mildew.
It is important to treat downy or powdery mildew as soon as you can. This fungus born disease will cause your plants to be unhappy, and can even spread to other nearby plants. Allow your plant’s leaves to dry out if possible, and aim at the roots when watering.
Heat stress often causes leaves to become wilty. Overwatering can also cause plants to become wilty. It is tempting to water your plants more if heat seems like the leading cause.
Resist the urge! Watering once a day, preferably in the morning, is usually plenty of water even for the hottest days. Some plants might not even need everyday waterings, adjust your watering schedule based on your climate and observations.
Dry plants can also cause wilty leaves although Salvia does not tend to react as much as some other plants. In the warmer months, it may wilt when the soil has become too dry. This is a sign that you should increase your watering frequency.
Salvia leaves and stems can become leggy for a few reasons. Plants can become leggy due to an inconsistent watering routine. Be sure to water your plants regularly and stick to a consistent schedule. Although Salvia is pretty drought tolerant, this doesn’t mean you should actively avoid watering your plant for periods of time.
The most common reason plants become leggy is lack of sunlight. Salvia grows best in areas that receive full sun. If planted in a location that is under partial shade, the stems and leaves will grow leggy trying to reach for more sunlight.
Transplant your leggy plants to an area that will receive more sun. It may take a few weeks for them to adjust to the new location, but the new growth won’t appear as leggy or stretched out.
Autumn sage, scientifically known as Salvia greggii is a popular ornamental plant prized for its vibrant flowers that bloom in shades of red pink, orange, yellow and white. However, bacterial wilt can be a problematic disease that affects autumn sage plants, causing the leaves to wilt, yellow and drop. If left unchecked, bacterial wilt can even kill the plant. Fortunately, by learning to identify and treat this disease early on, you can effectively get rid of bacterial wilt and restore the health of your autumn sage plant.
Identifying Bacterial Wilt
The first step is to accurately identify bacterial wilt on your autumn sage plant, Here are the most common symptoms to look out for
- Wilting and drooping leaves that fail to recover with watering
- Leaves yellowing from the edges inward
- Black or brown streaks on the stems
- Stunted growth
- Plant death, starting from the top down
Often the foliage on one side of the plant will be affected first, then it spreads to the rest of the plant. Bacterial wilt thrives in hot, humid conditions and often enters the plant through wounds or natural openings.
Removing Infected Plant Parts
Once you’ve confirmed bacterial wilt, act quickly to remove infected plant parts and prevent further spreading. Using clean, sterilized pruners, cut off any stems or branches showing wilt. Remove at least 8-12 inches below where symptoms are visible to ensure you get rid of all the infection. Bag up and dispose of the trimmings to avoid contamination. Sterilize tools after each cut.
Improving Air Circulation
Promoting good air circulation around autumn sage plants helps deter bacterial wilt. Make sure plants aren’t overcrowded and prune back any crossing branches or congested areas to allow better airflow. This also reduces moisture levels on the leaves.
Applying Copper Fungicide
Applying copper-based fungicides can help control bacterial wilt. Always follow label directions, coating the stems, branches and undersides of leaves. Reapply every 7-14 days until the disease is under control. Copper spraying is most effective when combined with pruning.
Managing Watering and Soil Moisture
Excess soil moisture encourages bacterial growth and spread Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings and avoid overhead watering Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry, Improve drainage in overly wet areas using raised beds, Add organic material like compost to help sandy soils retain moisture,
Promoting Overall Plant Health
Healthy autumn sage plants are less susceptible to disease. Make sure plants get:
- Full sun – at least 6 hours direct sunlight
- Well-draining soil
- Moderate watering – 1 inch per week
- Occasional fertilization
- Good pest management
Strong plants have an enhanced natural defenses against bacterial wilt.
Disinfecting Tools and Surfaces
Be sure to sterilize any pruners, shears or other tools used on infected autumn sage plants to prevent spreading bacterial wilt. Use a 1:9 bleach-to-water solution or rubbing alcohol. Also clean greenhouse benches, pots, and other surfaces that may have come in contact with bacteria.
Crop Rotation
When growing autumn sage in beds or borders, avoid planting it in the same location where bacterial wilt has been a problem in previous years. Rotate to different areas of the garden each season to help disrupt disease cycles in the soil.
Removing Weeds
Get rid of any weeds like bindweed, lambsquarters and nightshade around autumn sage plants. These can harbor bacterial wilt without showing symptoms and act as a reservoir for new infections. Maintain a weed-free area around your autumn sage.
Monitoring for Recurrence
Keep a close watch on autumn sage for any return of bacterial wilt symptoms and take immediate action at first signs. Prompt removal of infected plant tissues is key to staying on top of bacterial wilt. Be vigilant and don’t wait until the disease has spread significantly before treating it.
Sanitizing Your Garden
At the end of the season, thoroughly clean up plant debris, fallen leaves, and pulled weeds where bacterial wilt has been present. Removing these potential sources of inoculum can help reduce the risk of overwintering bacteria lingering in your garden.
Solarizing the Soil
In areas with repeated bacterial wilt infections, consider solarizing the soil during hot summer months. Cover the soil with clear plastic for 4-6 weeks, allowing the sun’s heat to kill bacteria lingering in the top layers. This can provide added protection before replanting autumn sage.
With persistence and preventative care, bacterial wilt can be successfully managed in autumn sage plants. While it may take diligence and repeated pruning to eliminate this disease, the reward will be vibrant, thriving autumn sage for seasons to come.
Floppy Plants And/Or Stems
The main reason for Salvia plants flopping is too much rain, or not enough sunlight. The constant fall of rain can cause the plant to become water-logged. Water-logged plants are a sign that the root system has been compacted and does not have access to enough oxygen.
The weight of the water can also cause the leaves and stems to fall over. Allow your plants a break from watering if this occurs, stake or cage your plants if extra support is necessary to get them back on the right track.
Yellowing of leaves can be caused by overwatering, oh and also by not watering enough. So how can you tell which one is the culprit? When a plant is overwatered, the bottom leaves will turn yellow, and the new growth will become limp and possibly fall off.
A plant that is under-watered will often become wilted and all leaves will turn yellow or even brown. The easiest way to tell is by feeling your soil.
If you suspect you have overwatered your plants in the ground, give them a break from watering. When salvia still seems waterlogged, you might need to amend the soil with an organic matter such as compost to help the roots get some oxygen.
If you have underwatered your plants, give them a good soak right away. Then just continue to water normal, perhaps increase frequency depending on your soil and climate.
Not Coming Back After Winter
Salvia is perennial in zones 4-10 depending on the variety. If you are planting in one of these zones and are having trouble getting your Salvia plant to overwinter, it could be because of a few things.
Some varieties are hardier than others. Note the zone on the specific variety that you purchased or grew from seed. Most varieties are hardy in many zones, but there are a few that vary.
Planting in spring is usually ideal as this will give your plant enough time to get established before winter. The cool temperatures of spring allow the roots and plant time to adjust to being in the ground. Fall planting is possible too, just be sure to really stay consistent on watering to let the roots get established.
Planting in the correct location can be a key factor in winter survival. Giving your plant the correct amount of sunlight and soil conditions will help the plant to establish new roots and get adapted to its new area. Well adapted plants will not be as susceptible to winter damage.
Plants should be acclimated to the climate before planting. If they were grown in a greenhouse and not hardened off accordingly, transplanting can shock the root system. While they usually bounce back from transplant shock, this can sometimes affect their ability to withstand the harsh winter months.
How to Prune Salvia to Get Continuous Blooms!! Learned this by Accident! My Selective Pruning Method
FAQ
How do you get rid of bacterial wilt?
Can bacterial wilt plants recover?
What causes bacterial wilt in plants?
How do you prevent Sage fungus?
Avoid overhead watering to prevent water splashing onto the leaves. Applying copper-based bactericides can help control the spread of this disease. Maintaining proper spacing between sage plants can also aid in improving air circulation and preventing bacterial leaf spot.
How do you protect Sage from pests?
Plant sage in a location that is protected from pests. This could include planting it in a garden bed that is surrounded by a fence or planting it under a tree. Water sage regularly to keep the soil moist. This will help to deter pests, such as aphids, which are attracted to dry plants.
Does sage spread too much?
Sage is a perennial plant, which means that it will come back year after year. However, you can take steps to prevent sage from spreading too much, such as: Prune your sage plant regularly. Pruning your sage plant will help to keep it in check and prevent it from spreading too much.
Are sage plants immune to diseases?
Sage plants are prized for their culinary uses and aromatic leaves, but they are not immune to diseases. Powdery mildew, root rot, downy mildew, and bacterial leaf spot are some common diseases that can affect sage plants.