Sage or Salvia is a large genus containing over 900 species and numerous varieties. Species of Sage grow wild in a wide range of locations, from South Africa, the Mediterranean, West and Central Asia, and many parts of North America and Mexico. Most species however, a few exceptions notwithstanding, require similar growing conditions, and these by happy coincidence, are suitable for gardens in dry climates.
Drainage
The prerequisite for success is a soil that drains well. Sages do not tolerate waterlogged conditions as a rule. The aeration of heavy, clay soils is improved significantly by adding large quantities of compost and the spreading of an organic mulch around the plants. Moreover, this should take care of all the nutritional demands of the plants without resort to chemical fertilizers.
Irrigation
With some of the tropical and sub tropical species excepted, Sages are drought resistant plants, although they do need some irrigation through the hot summer months. In heavy soils particularly, they do better on occasional deep soakings to frequent but shallow watering. This makes them unsuitable to a flowerbed containing summer annuals like Petunia or Phlox, which need water very frequently, but ideal companions for low-growing shrubs, and water conserving perennials such as Chrysanthemum frutescens or ice plants.
Pruning
Sages can be lightly trimmed throughout the year to remove flower heads, or for light shaping. Severe pruning is not recommended other than at the beginning of the growing season, i.e. at the end of winter. As Sages do not usually rejuvenate from old wood, they should only be cut back to clearly discernable growing points. The shrubby species can contribute handsomely to the garden for years if they are so pruned, and not allowed to become too open and leggy in form.
Location
A sunny aspect is as necessary to successfully growing Salvia as is adequate drainage. In the shade, flowers are liable to be sparse, while the plant's growth will be lank and leggy. For the most part they prefer less humidity to more, being susceptible to powdery Mildew fungi in moist conditions. It is important therefore to place them where air circulation is good, avoiding closed locations where possible.
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Jonathan Ya'akobi
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