Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams, also known as Gilman's sage, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. This plant is native to California, particularly in the eastern part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range where it grows in rocky, arid slopes and sagebrush scrubland.
General Appearance
Gilman's sage typically has a woody base with slender stems that can grow up to two feet tall. The plant's leaves are evergreen, with a grey-green color and a woolly, velvety texture. They can grow up to four inches long and are shaped like oblong ovals. Gilman's sage produces inflorescences in late spring and early summer. The flowers grow on upright spikes that can reach up to two feet tall. They are deep-blue and purple with a beautiful shade of pinkish-red towards the base of the flowers.
Common Names
The common name, Gilman's sage, was named after Dr. Harold Gilman, a botanist who explored the plant's natural habitat in the Sierras. Other common names include purple sage, tobacco sage, or simply dorrii sage.
Uses
Gilman's sage has been widely used for centuries in traditional Native American medicine as a remedy for various ailments such as colds, coughs, and sore throats. The plant's essential oil has also been used for culinary purposes to flavor soups or stews. Additionally, Gilman's sage is an excellent ornamental plant choice for xeric or arid gardens, as it can handle extremely drought-like conditions and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
Light Requirements
Salvia dorrii ssp. gilmanii grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. In areas with hot climates, partial shade during the hottest part of the day may help prevent scorching of the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to arid regions of the western United States and can survive in a range of temperatures, but it prefers warm temperatures between 70 °F to 90 °F. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to 20 °F. In areas with cooler climates, the plant may benefit from protection during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Salvia dorrii ssp. gilmanii grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6 to 8. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, the plant does not tolerate wet soil, which can cause root rot. Organic matter can be added to improve soil quality and drainage.
Cultivation methods
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams is a drought-tolerant perennial plant that prefers a sandy, well-draining soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. It can grow in full sun or partial shade and is tolerant of high winds and temperatures. When planting, be sure to space plants about 24 inches apart to allow sufficient air circulation and prevent overcrowding.Watering needs
While Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering until it becomes established. It's recommended to water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Once established, the plant can go longer periods without water.Fertilization
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams does not require a lot of fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.Pruning
Pruning Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams is not necessary, but it can help to maintain a more compact and tidy appearance. Once the plant has finished flowering, you can remove any spent flower stalks and trim back any straggly or overgrown stems. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears and only remove up to one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stressing it. Avoid pruning in late summer or fall, as this can remove the buds that will produce flowering stems the following year.Propagation of Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams
Salvia dorrii ssp. gilmanii is a beautiful ornamental perennial plant that is propagated by both sexual and asexual methods. The plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, and it is commonly known as Gilman's sage. It is native to the western United States, and it is adapts to a dry and hot climate. Here are various methods that can be used to propagate this plant.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Salvia dorrii ssp. gilmanii. Usually, the seeds are collected towards the end of summer or early fall. It is advisable to sow them immediately to increase the chances of germination. Before sowing, the seedlings must be stratified to break dormancy. Cold stratification is achieved by keeping the seeds moist in temperatures between 33-41°F for 4-6 weeks. Afterward, the seeds are sown in a prepared bed and covered lightly with soil. They should be watered regularly, and the germination period lasts between 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be achieved through stem cuttings. This method is mainly used for the production of clones to retain the characteristics of a particular variety of Salvia dorrii ssp. gilmanii. Cuttings are obtained from the semi-hardwood stems during the growing season, usually in early summer. Cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. Then, the cuttings are planted in a container filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss and placed under a mist system or covered with plastic to maintain high humidity levels. Rooting occurs in about 4-6 weeks. After rooting, the new plants are potted in a well-draining soil mix and grown under appropriate conditions.
Disease Management
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, one potential disease that may affect the plant is root rot. Root rot is caused by fungi in the soil and can ultimately lead to the death of the plant.
To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered. It is also recommended to improve soil drainage and remove any infected plants from the area. Use of fungicides may be necessary in severe cases of root rot.
Pest Management
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams ssp. gilmanii (Epling) Abrams may be affected by several pests, including spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves of the plant and can even spread to other plants in the area.
To manage spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies, it is recommended to regularly inspect the plant and remove any infested leaves or branches. The use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils may also be effective in controlling these pests.
In addition, it is important to promote a healthy growing environment for the plant by providing adequate water and nutrients. A healthy plant is better able to resist pest infestations and recover from any damage caused by pests.
