Origin
The Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan, commonly known as "purple sage" or "incense sage", belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Sonora.
General Appearance
The purple sage is a small, woody shrub that usually reaches a height of 1-3 feet, with a similar spread. It features long, narrow, gray-green leaves that are coated in dense white hairs, giving the plant a silvery appearance. The leaves are highly fragrant, with a sharp, incense-like aroma that is released when they are rubbed or crushed.
The flowers are small and appear in clusters at the tips of the stems. They range in color from pale purple to deep violet and bloom in late spring or early summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant has a deep taproot that helps it access water in arid conditions.
Common Uses
The purple sage has been used for centuries by Native American tribes for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The leaves were steeped into a tea to treat a variety of ailments, including sore throats, colds, and digestive issues. They were also burned as incense to purify the air and ward off evil spirits during ceremonies.
Today, the plant is often used as an ornamental in xeriscaping and rock gardens, as it is able to tolerate drought, high temperatures, and poor soils. It is also used as a natural pest repellent and a source of essential oils for the fragrance industry.
Overall, the Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan is a hardy and versatile plant that has played an important role in the cultural and ecological landscape of the southwestern United States.
Light Requirements
Salvia dorrii var. incana requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will result in leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well adapted to grow in a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in areas with cold winters and hot summers, with temperatures ranging from 20°F (-6°C) to 100°F (38°C). However, it can also tolerate extreme temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C) and as high as 110°F (43°C).
Soil Requirements
Salvia dorrii var. incana prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or rocky. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but grows best in fertile soils. The plant can thrive in soils with pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. It is also tolerant of drought conditions and can survive in areas with less than 10 inches of annual rainfall.
Cultivation Methods
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan, also known as Dorr's Sage, is a drought-tolerant plant that requires well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones six through ten. Proper cultivation methods include planting in an area with good air circulation and adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve the soil's nutrients.
Watering Needs
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan should be watered regularly during the growing season, but it is essential not to over-water the plant. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases. It is best to wait until the soil is dry before watering again, and regular deep watering is recommended instead of frequent shallow watering.
Fertilization
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan is a plant that does not require nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Instead, it is best to use a low-nitrogen, low-phosphorus fertilizer before planting or once in early spring. A top layer of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, applied annually is also beneficial.
Pruning
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan requires minimal pruning, but it is vital to remove any dead or diseased stems and leaves. It is best to prune Dorr's Sage in mid-summer after the flowering season to encourage new growth and stronger stems. Additionally, removing up to one-third of the plant height can help to promote re-blooming throughout the growing season.
Methods of Propagation of Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan can be propagated by two primary methods, which include seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan. The seeds of this plant can be collected from the flowers at the end of summer or early fall. The seeds are small and black with a wrinkled seed coating. They can be sown directly in the garden bed or in pots after the last frost date in spring.
Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-prepared seedbed that is moist and free of weeds. Keep the soil moist throughout the germination period, which can last from one to two weeks. You can expect a high germination rate (more than 90%) in favorable conditions. Once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to 12 to 18 inches apart.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation methods of Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan include rooting stem cuttings and division of mature plants.
Stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer from non-flowering stems. Choose healthy stems about 4 to 6 inches long with a 45-degree angle cut. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining pot mix that is kept moist and in indirect sunlight. The cuttings will root within six to eight weeks and can then be transplanted to a permanent location in the garden.
You can also divide mature plants in early spring or late summer. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root system into sections. Each section should have healthy roots and a leafy stem. Replant the sections and water well.
Disease and Pest Management for Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. dorrii var. incana (Benth.) Strachan
Salvia dorrii is generally a hardy plant, but like all plants, it can be susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant along with ways to manage them:
Diseases
Root Rot: Over-watering can lead to root rot in Salvia dorrii. To prevent root rot from occurring, ensure good drainage for the soil and ensure that the plant is not over-watered. If root rot has already set in, then it is best to remove the infected parts of the plant and re-pot it with fresh soil.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. Removing infected leaves and stems, ensuring proper air circulation, and reducing humidity can all help prevent powdery mildew. Applying fungicides can also help management.
Pests
Aphids: These are tiny insects that typically cluster on the leaves of Salvia dorrii. In large numbers, they can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking out the sap from the leaves. Application of neem oil or insecticidal soap and regularly washing the plant can help manage aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that feed on the underside of leaves, often leaving behind a fine webbing. They cause yellow spots on leaves, and in severe cases, the leaves may drop from the plant. To manage spider mites, one can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; also, consistent washing of the plant and increasing the humidity around the plant can help.
Leaf Cutter Bees: These insects use the foliage of Salvia dorrii for nesting purposes, which often causes leaves to have irregular cut shapes. While they do not harm the plant, regular maintenance and pruning can help to mitigate the issue.
By applying the techniques mentioned above, Salvia dorrii can be kept healthy and beautiful.
