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.
With its bright flowers and fragrant foliage, autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a coveted garden plant. However leaf curling is a common issue that plagues these plants marring their beauty. Curled leaves on your prized autumn sage can be concerning and frustrating. But don’t worry – understanding the potential causes can help you get your plant back to perfect health.
The Signs of Leaf Curling
How do you know if your autumn sage is suffering from leaf curl? Here are the telltale signs to look for
- Leaves rolling or curling inward, often with a crisp or crinkled texture
- Leaves feeling dry and brittle
- Distorted leaf growth patterns
- Stunted growth
If you notice these symptoms, inspect your plant closely and review the possible reasons below to identify the culprit.
Overwatering
Too much moisture is one of the most frequent offenders when autumn sage leaves start curling. These perennials thrive in hot, dry conditions. If the soil remains constantly wet, the roots suffocate and cannot properly absorb nutrients.
Root rot may set in, further damaging the plant’s ability to take up water. As a survival response, the leaves curl inward to reduce moisture loss. Fix the problem by improving drainage, watering only when the top inch of soil is dry, and monitoring soil moisture frequently.
Underwatering
While overwatering is common, going too long between waterings can also cause leaves to curl. If the plant gets too dry between watering, it goes into drought survival mode. Leaves curling inward helps limit transpiration and prevents excess water loss.
Check soil moisture before watering. Autumn sage should never fully dry out. Water when the top inch becomes dry, adjusting frequency for weather and plant size. Deep weekly soakings are better than frequent shallow watering.
Sunburn
Autumn sage thrives in full sun. But intense afternoon sun in summer can scorch leaves, resulting in curling, crispy foliage. Sunburn damage often appears first on leaf edges and upper surfaces.
Providing afternoon shade helps prevent sun damage. Filtered light through a sheer curtain or shade cloth also protects leaves while allowing air circulation. Avoid sudden transitions from shade to sun.
Temperature Stress
As a heat lover, autumn sage struggles with anything below 50°F. Exposure to cold snaps or overcooling indoors leads to stress. Leaves respond by curling to conserve warmth and protect tender growth.
Shelter autumn sage from cold winds and weather. Move potted plants indoors before temps drop too low. Ensure indoor plants avoid drafty areas and heating vents for steady warmth.
Pests
Hungry critters can be another cause of curled autumn sage leaves. Spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and others enjoy feasting on these plants. Their feeding damages foliage, which often curls as a response. Webbing, sticky residue, and tiny pests under leaves point to an infestation.
Insecticidal soap, neem oil, or appropriate pesticides can remedy the problem. Quarantine new plants, prune away damage, and maintain vigilant monitoring of existing plants.
Disease Infection
Various fungal and bacterial diseases trigger leaf curl in autumn sage. Powdery mildew coats leaves in white fungal growth. Leaf spot leads to dark spots. Both cause distortion and curling.
Promptly remove any infected leaves. Improve air flow and space plants out. Apply appropriate organic or chemical fungicides as a preventive treatment if disease is common in your area.
Nutrient Deficiency
Without proper nutrition, autumn sage struggles to maintain growth and curled leaves can result. Nitrogen and potassium are important for healthy foliage. Insufficient levels lead to stunted and curling leaves.
Test soil to identify any nutrient shortages. Amend soil and use a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering perennials. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage roots.
Environmental Factors
Harsh environmental conditions also take a toll on autumn sage. Exposure to strong winds, dry air, pollution, and soil contaminants are examples of stressors. Too much stress disrupts the plant’s normal functions, evidenced by curled leaves.
Choose a protected planting site away from wind tunnels and road pollution. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity around plants. Avoid applying or spilling harmful chemicals near autumn sage.
How to Help a Stressed Autumn Sage
If your autumn sage is struggling with curled leaves, take action to alleviate the stressor. Boost water, filter sunlight, treat pests, or amend soil as needed to restore a healthy environment. Prune away any damaged growth to improve appearance. With a few adjustments, you can get your plant looking lush and lovely again.
Pay close attention to your autumn sage and act quickly when you notice leaf curling to prevent lasting damage. A little prevention goes a long way. Select resistant varieties, maintain optimal growing conditions, and address problems early. Your diligent care will be rewarded with a beautiful, long-blooming autumn sage specimen that outperforms others.
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.
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.
What Causes Leaf Curl? – The Garden Sage 10
FAQ
Why are my sage leaves curling up?
What deficiency causes curling of leaves?
What does it mean when plant leaves start to curl?
Why do leaves curl up & fold over?
There are many reasons why the leaves of plants curl up or fold over. Leaf curling and leaf folding are two of the most prevalent signs of plant problems. It is ideal for keeping the soil as moist as needed by the respective plant because many plants require a lot of water, and many plants don’t need lots of it. It depends on various factors.?
Why are my cactus leaves curling?
Fans and excess wind can cause unintentional harm to the plant. Overwatering can result in root rots, and that can become a reason for leaves curling. That is why it said that you should provide water to the plant when needed not when you want to.
Why are my leaves curling?
Young curled leaves will eventually straighten as the leaf matures, however, leaf curl in mature leaves is generally a sign of altered environmental conditions. By identifying the causal factors for the leaves to curl you can effectively reverse the curling and restore the leaves to a healthy state. The curling or folding of leaves is an alarm.
Why are my Calathea leaves curling?
Young and freshly produced calathea leaves will come out in a “curled form” which may seem as if something is wrong with the leaves but in fact, it’s just how the leaves are produced. The Hosta plant is a genus of plants commonly known as hostas which also has a curling appearance and is a shade-tolerant foliage plant.