Description of Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams var. carnosa (Dougl. ex Greene) Cronq.
Salvia dorrii (Kellogg) Abrams var. carnosa (Dougl. ex Greene) Cronq., commonly known as purple sage, is a perennial plant native to western North America, including California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
General Appearance
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa has a woody stem and gray-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are lance-shaped and up to 4 inches long, with a pungent fragrance. In early to mid-summer, the plant produces spikes of blue to purple flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches long and bloom in clusters at the end of the stems
Common Names
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa has several common names, including purple sage, desert sage, and carnosa sage. In some Native American cultures, it is called "white wand" or "sacred sage."
Uses
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa has several traditional uses. Native American tribes, such as the Cahuilla and the Chemehuevi, use the leaves and stems of the plant in traditional ceremonies and as a medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, coughs, and rheumatism. The plant has also been used as a smudge to purify the air and ward off negative energy. In gardens and landscaping, Salvia dorrii var. carnosa is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage.
Growth conditions for Salvia dorrii var. carnosa:
Light: Salvia dorrii var. carnosa prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in bright light and high levels of UV radiation.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm, dry climates. It can survive in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 35°C. However, during the winter season, the plant can withstand a hard frost but may appear lifeless until the weather starts to warm up.
Soil: Salvia dorrii var. carnosa requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, and rocky soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0. However, the plant must not be planted in heavy clay soil as it can lead to root rot.
Water: Salvia dorrii var. carnosa is drought tolerant and can survive without water for extended periods. However, it grows best when watered once a week after the soil has had a chance to dry out. Over-watering can lead to root rot and can kill the plant.
Fertilizer: Salvia dorrii var. carnosa does not require regular fertilizer application. However, if the plant is growing in poor soil, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be applied once or twice annually.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings. However, seed propagation is more commonly used. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in the spring after the final frost. The new seedlings should be planted in a permanent location in the fall.
Cultivation methods
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa is a hardy perennial plant, well-suited to rocky or sandy soils with good drainage. It thrives in full sunlight, but it can also tolerate some shade. The plant grows best in an environment where it can maintain its natural shape, so it is essential to give it enough space when planting.
Watering needs
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa is drought-tolerant and requires little water once established. However, it is essential to water the plant regularly during its first season to establish the roots adequately. Once established, the plant can survive on occasional rainfall, but you can also water it occasionally during long, dry spells.
Fertilization
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa does not require fertilization to survive, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year to promote healthy growth. You can apply the fertilizer in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the plant goes dormant. It would also help if you avoided over-fertilization as it may cause unnecessary growth or damage to the plant.
Pruning
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa requires minimal pruning. You can pinch the flower stalks lightly in early summer to promote bushier growth. You can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth. If the plant becomes too large, you can prune it back in the fall before growth resumes in the spring.
Propagation of Salvia dorrii var. carnosa
The Salvia dorrii var. carnosa, commonly known as the chaparral sage, is a small, aromatic plant that is found in the deserts of western North America. It is a hardy species that can be propagated easily through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seed is the most common method for the chaparral sage. The best season for seed collection is during summer or early fall. After harvesting, the seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until time for planting.
To sow the seeds, a well-draining soil mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite can be used. The seeds should be scattered on top of the soil, pressed lightly, and then covered with a light layer of sand or peat moss. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds will usually germinate within three to four weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is another method for the chaparral sage. The best time for taking cuttings is during mid-to-late summer. Select a stem of the plant that is firm and mature, and cut it just below a node. Cuttings should be between 6-8 inches long.
Remove all leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting will usually root within two to three weeks.
Disease Management for Salvia dorrii var. carnosa
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa is a hardy plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, the following diseases may affect this plant:
- Rust: Rust is caused by a fungus that appears as yellow-orange spots on leaves. To manage rust, remove infected parts of the plant and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves, ensure good air circulation, and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management for Salvia dorrii var. carnosa
Salvia dorrii var. carnosa is also relatively pest resistant, but the following pests may affect this plant:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck sap from leaves, causing yellowing and browning. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that suck sap from plants, causing leaves to turn yellow. To manage whiteflies, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings also prey on aphids.
