Origin and Common Names
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan, commonly known as Clokey's sage, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to California, Nevada, and Oregon in the United States. It is a subspecies of Salvia dorrii, commonly known as purple sage or dorrii sage.
General Appearance
Clokey's sage is a perennial plant that grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It has gray-green leaves that are woolly and densely covered with whitish hairs. The leaves are typically 1-3 inches long and 0.25-0.5 inches wide, elliptic in shape, and arranged in a rosette. The plant produces showy spikes of violet-blue flowers that can get up to 12 inches long, which appear in the spring and summer. These flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds and bees.
Uses
Clokey's sage has a long history of medicinal and cultural uses by Native American tribes in its range. They have used it for treating a variety of ailments, including headaches, fevers, coughs, colds, and digestive problems. The plant also has a pleasant aroma and has been used for smudging, a spiritual practice that involves burning dried sage leaves for purification and cleansing. In addition, the plant is an excellent choice for use in xeriscape landscaping, as it is drought-tolerant and requires little water or maintenance once established.
Typical Growth Conditions of Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan
Light: Salvia dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant can grow in direct sunlight, but it needs protection from the scorching heat of the sun to avoid drying the leaves and the flowers.
Temperature: The plant grows well in USDA zones 5 to 9 and withstands temperatures ranging from 14°F - 104°F (-10°C - 40°C). Salvia dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan is a highly drought-tolerant plant and grows well in hot and arid climates.
Soil Requirements: Salvia dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or gritty. The plant does not tolerate heavy clay soils, which can cause root rot. A slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal for Salvia dorrii.
Water: This plant is highly adapted to drought conditions and does not require too much watering. Ensure that the soil is dry before watering, and avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilizer: Salvia dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan does not require regular fertilization. However, if you choose to fertilize the plant, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring.
Propagation: Propagate Salvia dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan using stem cuttings, root division, or seed sowing. Take stem cuttings in the spring or autumn and root them in a well-draining potting mix. Divide the roots in the spring and plant them in individual containers, or sow the seeds in early spring.
Cultivation
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan, commonly known as Clokey's sage or Sierra sage, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the mountainous regions of California and Nevada. It is relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown in a wide range of soil types and conditions.
The plant thrives in full sun, but it can tolerate light shade. When planting, select a well-draining soil and ensure that the plant's crown is above the soil's surface. Clokey's sage does not require much attention and can tolerate drought conditions well.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Clokey's sage, it's important always to ensure that the soil is dry before watering. This plant is accustomed to living in drought conditions, so overwatering can be harmful. Water it deeply once every two weeks, especially during the dry spells of summer. Reduce watering in the winter and the plant will need less water during this time and may not require any extra watering if winter rainfall is adequate.
Fertilization
Clokey's sage does not require loads of fertilizers to thrive. Adding compost before planting can be useful and provide good usable organic matter for the roots to absorb. If the soil needs supplemental nutrients, apply an all-purpose fertilizer in the early spring when the plant gets greener.
Pruning
Unlike some other plant species, pruning or deadheading is not necessary for Clokey's sage to prosper. However, if you want to manage tangles and prevent them from becoming messy or taking over space, prune the plant in early spring. This is best done by removing any dead foliage or branches from the previous growing season. It is advisable to trim the blooming stems to retain one or two sets of leaves above the ground level and promote fresh shoots and flowers.
Propagation of Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan, also known as Clokey's sage or Clokey's hybrid sage, is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that is native to California and Nevada.
Propagation Methods
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan can be easily propagated through three main methods: seed, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
The easiest and most economical way to propagate Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan is through seeds. The seeds can be sown in the fall or early spring, directly into the ground or in containers, after the threat of frost has passed. The seeds need light to germinate, so they must be sprinkled on the surface of the soil and not covered. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Cuttings
Another way to propagate Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan is through cuttings. Take 3- to 4-inch stem cuttings from healthy, mature plants in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it moist. Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place it in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and the humidity high until roots start to form, which can take 4 to 6 weeks. Once the cutting has developed a strong root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Division
Division is another option for propagating Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan. This method is best done in the fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into several sections. Each section should have a piece of the crown and several healthy roots. Replant each section into individual pots or directly into the garden.
With a bit of patience and care, you can easily propagate Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi Strachan to enjoy in your own garden or to share with others.
Disease and Pest Management for Salvia dorrii ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi
Salvia dorrii ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi, also known as Clokey’s sage, is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that is native to the western United States. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can cause damage and reduce yield. In this section, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that may affect Salvia dorrii and provide some tips on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Salvia dorrii is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing a white, powdery substance to form on the surface. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant’s environment dry and well-ventilated. Remove any affected leaves and consider applying a fungicide if the problem persists.
Another disease that can affect Salvia dorrii is root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to decay and die. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has good drainage. If root rot is severe, consider applying a fungicide to the soil.
Common Pests
One common pest that may affect Salvia dorrii is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellow or brown spots to form. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the plant well-hydrated and well-ventilated. Consider using a miticide spray if the problem persists.
Another pest to watch out for is the aphid. Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and weaken. To manage aphids, consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Overall, Salvia dorrii ssp. dorrii var. clokeyi is a hardy and resilient plant that can withstand a variety of environmental conditions. However, it is important to be vigilant for potential diseases and pests and to take appropriate measures to manage them before they can cause significant damage.
