Origin
The Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson is a subspecies of the Salvia carnosa species that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The plant is native to the Channel Islands of California and can be found in rocky outcrops and open spaces in the foothills. It can also be found on the coasts of Southern California and Baja California in Mexico.
Common Names
The Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson is commonly known as Gilman's Sage or Island Pitcher Sage.
Uses
Indigenous people from the California Channel Islands used Gilman's Sage for medicinal purposes, including treating stomachaches and colds. It was also used to induce a deep sleep when mixed with other herbs. Today, the plant is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Its large, showy flowers and aromatic foliage make it a popular choice for gardeners.
General Appearance
The Gilman's Sage plant has gray-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs and are typically 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The flowers are tubular and can range in color from dark pink to purple-blue and are about 1 inch long. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, but will typically stay smaller in a garden setting. The foliage has a strong, musky scent when crushed and attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to the garden.
Growth Conditions for Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson
Light: Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson prefers full sunlight or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of proper light can result in leggy and weak growth.
Temperature: Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson prefers warm temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can tolerate temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the plant.
Soil: Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It prefers sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. It is sensitive to root damage, so avoid heavy soils and compacted soil. It can tolerate a moderate level of drought but requires regular watering during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson is a lovely plant. It is endemic to the southern coast ranges of California, and it can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. The plant thrives best in regions with moderately hot climates, though it can also withstand mild frost. You can propagate Salvia carnosa through stem cuttings or seeds.
Watering Needs
Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson prefers regular watering. However, ensure that the soil is well-drained with proper aeration and moisture retention. During the hot season, water the plant twice a week, and once a week during fall and winter. Only use enough water to moisten the soil. Overwatering results in root rot and other fungal diseases that may kill the plant.
Fertilization
Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson thrives in healthy and nutritious soil. Fertilize the plant during the planting phase, which is typically in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Reapply the fertilizer every four months to ensure proper growth and development. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to excessive growth, weak stems, and damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is a crucial aspect of maintaining the growth and appearance of Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson. Prune the plant during late winter or early spring before the new growth season begins. Cut off the dead or damaged stems, and remove up to one-third of the plant's size to encourage new growth. Remember to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson
Salvia carnosa Dougl. ex Greene var. gilmanii (Epling) L. Benson can be propagated through several methods which include:
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is one of the most common methods. Salvia carnosa produces capsules containing tiny brown seeds. These seeds can be collected when they dry on the plant or by crushing the capsules. They should be sown on a mixture of half peat and half perlite. However, the seeds have a low germination rate and require several weeks to germinate. Special care, such as soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours or cold stratification, can help increase the germination rate.
Cuttings
The plant can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the spring and early summer from non-flowering stems. Trim cuttings just below a node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting's cut end in a rooting hormone and place in a potting mix made of half perlite and peat. Cover with a plastic bag to create humidity and reduce transpiration. Place the pot in a warm spot that gets indirect sunlight. In two to three weeks, the cuttings should start growing roots.
Division
Propagation through division can also be used for Salvia carnosa. This should be performed during the spring when the plant starts its growth season. To divide the plant, lift it carefully from the soil and shake off the excess soil. Then, using a clean and sharp tool, divide the rootball into sections of equal sizes. Ensure that each section has a healthy stem, roots, and leaves. The divided sections should be replanted in pots or directly into the soil.
Disease Management
Salvia carnosa var. gilmanii is susceptible to various diseases, which might affect the plant's growth and yield. Some of the common diseases and their management strategies are:
Root rot
Root rot is a common fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and subsequently die. This disease is caused by overwatering, poorly drained soil, and fungal infection. To manage root rot, it is essential to improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Applying fungicides such as copper-based fungicides might help control the fungal infection and prevent further spread.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of Salvia carnosa var. gilmanii. This disease causes white powdery growth on the leaves and stems, which can reduce the plant's photosynthesis activity and limit its growth. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides such as neem oil or sulfur-based fungicides.
Bacterial leaf spot
Bacterial leaf spot is a bacterial disease that causes black spots on the leaves of Salvia carnosa var. gilmanii. This disease can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and reduced yield in severe cases. To manage bacterial leaf spot, it is essential to maintain plant hygiene, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based bactericides.
Pest Management
Salvia carnosa var. gilmanii is also susceptible to various pests that might affect the plant's growth and yield. Some of the common pests and their management strategies are:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and wilt. These insects also transmit viruses that can cause severe damage to the plant. To manage aphids, it is essential to remove infected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellowing and curling. They also produce a sugary excrement called honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage whiteflies, it is essential to introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps, remove infected plant parts, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. These insects are common in dry and hot weather conditions. To manage spider mites, it is essential to maintain high humidity levels, remove infected plant parts, and apply insecticidal soap or miticides such as sulfur or neem oil.
