To fix leggy salvia, a popular variety called ‘Hot Lips,’ you’ll want to shape the plant to maintain a more compact and bushy appearance. This can be achieved through proper pruning techniques. Leggy stems occur when the plant grows tall and spindly, with long gaps between leaves. By pruning back the outermost stems, you can encourage branching and denser growth, resulting in a more attractive and well-rounded plant.
When pruning ‘Hot Lips’ salvia, start by identifying the outermost stems that are contributing to the leggy appearance. These are the ones that tend to grow longer and have fewer leaves. Using a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors, cut back these stems by about one-third of their length. This will stimulate the plant to produce new growth at the cut points, resulting in a fuller and more compact shape.
It’s important to note that pruning should be done during the appropriate time for your specific climate and growing conditions. In general, pruning ‘Hot Lips’ salvia in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, is recommended. However, if your plant is excessively leggy and detracting from its overall appearance, you can prune it back at any time during the growing season.
When pruning, make clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud. This will encourage new shoots to emerge from that point, promoting branching and a more compact form. Avoid cutting too close to the base of the plant, as this can weaken the overall structure.
After pruning, be sure to provide proper care to support the plant’s recovery and encourage healthy growth. Regularly water the salvia, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Applying a balanced fertilizer, following the instructions on the product label, can also help promote vigorous growth.
In addition to pruning, there are a few other techniques you can try to fix leggy salvia. Pinching back the tips of the stems when the plant is young can help encourage branching from lower down. This can be done by simply using your fingers to pinch off the growing tip of each stem. Repeat this process periodically as the plant grows to maintain a more compact shape.
Another option is to propagate new plants from cuttings. If you have a leggy ‘Hot Lips’ salvia, you can take stem cuttings and root them to create new, more compact plants. This allows you to start fresh with a more bushy form.
Fixing leggy salvia involves a combination of pruning, pinching, and propagation techniques. By applying these methods, you can shape the plant and promote denser growth, resulting in a more attractive and visually appealing garden.
