Warm and wind-protected places in the garden are just right for cultivating ornamental sage. Although this is a relatively robust and undemanding perennial, some care is required so that the sage's flowers can develop optimally.
How do I properly care for ornamental sage?
To optimally care for the ornamental sage, choose a sunny, warm and wind-protected location. Make sure there is enough space, well-drained and nutrient-rich soil without waterlogging. Water and fertilize moderately, prune the plant and provide adequate overwintering.
Caring for ornamental sage
Caring for the attractive flowering perennial begins with the selection of the location, because the ornamental sage has a few preferences that should be taken into account. The plant thanks the attention with exceptional flowering. The following requirements should be met:
- Choosing a sunny and warm place
- sufficient space so that it is not overgrown by other perennials
- A location sheltered from the wind if possible
- nutrient-rich and well-drained soil
- no waterlogging, so don't water too much
- maximum two fertilizer applications during the summer months
Plant correctly at the right time
Spring is the best time to plant ornamental sage perennials in the ground. The young plants that were propagated by sowing or cuttings are now being grown outdoors. However, you should wait for the last night frosts here. The ornamental sage is suitable for planting perennial beds, gravel beds, steppe planting and prairie gardens. The floral splendor of the ornamental sage is very effective when a larger group stands alone in the bed. What is important in any case is the optimal planting distance, which depends on the width of the plant.
Watering, fertilizing, cutting
Ornamental sage tolerates dry soil if it is well rooted. However, it should be watered every now and then during the flowering period so that the flowers do not dry out too quickly.
The ornamental sage is also frugal when it comes to fertilizer. Fertilizing twice a day is enough for him in the summer months. If the ornamental sage is cut back after flowering, it will develop a second flower in autumn, although this is not the case with every variety of sage. Before the perennial sprouts in spring, it should be cut to a height of 10 cm.
The wintering
Not all varieties of ornamental sage are hardy. Sensitive perennials can be covered with brushwood, dry leaves or fleece. Some species cannot tolerate cool temperatures at all and must be overwintered frost-free, preferably in a bucket. But the hardy varieties can also tolerate winter protection. A loose cover with brushwood prevents damage from frost.
