Plant Description:
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii, commonly known as Dorri's sage or purple sage, is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the mint family. It grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 3 feet wide and has silvery-gray or green leaves that are oppositely arranged and covered with fine hairs. The plant also produces attractive flower spikes that vary in color from blue-purple to lavender and bloom in late spring and early summer.
Origin:
Dorri's Sage is native to the western United States, particularly in the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts, including California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. It thrives in arid and semi-arid habitats such as sandy or rocky soils, canyons, and foothills. The plant has been used by indigenous tribes in the region for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Common Names:
Salvia dorrii has numerous common names, including purple sage, Dorri's sage, blue sage, pinyon sage, desert sage, and grayball sage. The name "Dorri" is derived from John Dorri, a 19th century botanist and explorer, who collected several plant specimens in the southwestern United States.
Uses:
The plant has various traditional and medicinal uses. Native American tribes have used its leaves and roots to treat coughs, colds, headaches, fever, and other ailments. The leaves also have a distinctive aroma and are often used in smudging ceremonies and to ward off evil spirits. The plant is also an ornamental herb and is popular among gardeners who value its drought-resistant and low maintenance qualities. It is useful in xeriscaping and can add attractive colors and textures to landscapes and gardens.
Light Requirements
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to elongated stems and reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to grow in arid environments and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 60-90°F (16-32°C). During the winter months, the plant can withstand freezing temperatures if the soil is well-draining and the plant is not overwatered.
Soil Requirements
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or gravelly. It grows well in poor soils with low nutrient and organic content. The soil pH should be between 6.5-7.5. It is important to avoid overwatering this plant, as it is adapted to dry environments and can be susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.
Cultivation Methods
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii is a drought-tolerant plant species that is ideal for xeriscaping. It can be grown both outdoors and indoors, and it thrives in sandy soils that have good drainage. This plant species prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii requires low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Watering Needs
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii requires regular watering during its first growing season. Once established, this plant species can survive with minimal watering as it is drought-resistant. It is recommended to water Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii when the topsoil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii does not require frequent fertilization. It can survive with infrequent feeds of low-nitrogen fertilizers. To boost growth and flowering, use a balanced granular fertilizer once a year at the beginning of spring.
Pruning
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii does not require heavy pruning. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. You can also lightly prune the plant in the early spring to promote branching and bushiness. Avoid overpruning as it can lead to reduced flowering.
Propagation of Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii
Propagation can be done from both seeds and stem cuttings. However, using stem cuttings is a more common and efficient way of propagating this plant.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
To propagate Salvia dorrii var. dorrii from stem cuttings, follow these steps:
- Start by taking a cutting from the parent plant, making sure it's a healthy stem with no signs of disease or insect damage.
- Cut a 4-6 inches long section of the stem, making the cut just below a node (where the leaf meets the stem).
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top of the cutting to reduce water loss.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to accelerate root growth.
- Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, making sure it's deep enough to support the stem.
- Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a warm, bright location with partial shade, such as a greenhouse or under a shade cloth.
- Maintain consistent moisture levels, but be cautious not to overwater, as this can cause the cutting to rot.
- After 8-10 weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Propagation from Seeds
Propagation from seeds is also possible, but it's a slower process that requires more care and patience.
- Collect the seeds from a mature plant when the seed pods have turned brown and dry.
- Clean the seeds by removing any debris or damaged seeds.
- Soak the seeds in warm water overnight to soften the seed coat and encourage germination.
- Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, covering them with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the seeds gently and place them in a warm, bright location with partial shade.
- Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
- After 2-4 weeks, the seeds should germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. dorrii, commonly called purple sage or Dorrii sage, is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to the western United States. While it is generally a low maintenance plant, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the common problems that affect Salvia dorrii is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil. To avoid root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and let it dry out between watering. Powdery mildew is another disease that can affect the plant, which is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is spaced out properly and has good air circulation. Additionally, applying horticultural oil or neem oil on the plant can help control the disease.
Pests
Salvia dorrii can be susceptible to aphids, which are small insects that cluster on the leaves and stems and suck the sap out of the plant. To control aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Another common pest that can infect the plant is spider mites, which are tiny mites that can be identified by the small webs they produce. You can manage spider mites by washing the plant with water regularly and applying insecticidal soap.
Overall, Salvia dorrii is a resilient plant that can withstand many stressors. However, keeping an eye out for diseases and pests is still important in promoting the health and longevity of the plant.
