Taking care of Salvia Love and Wishes (‘Serendip6’) is relatively easy and straightforward. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy and prolong its flowering:
1. Pruning: To encourage continuous flowering, it is essential to remove the flower spikes as soon as they start to fade. This process redirects the plant’s energy towards producing new blooms instead of seed production. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a set of healthy leaves or lateral branch.
2. Mulching: In the spring, apply a generous layer of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. A mulch of about 5-7cm (2-3in) will help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, and provide nutrients as it gradually decomposes. Additionally, mulching protects the plant’s roots from temperature extremes and helps maintain a more stable soil moisture level.
3. Watering: Salvia Love and Wishes prefers moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is important not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can promote the development of foliar diseases.
4. Fertilizing: Salvia Love and Wishes is not particularly heavy feeders, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can provide a nutrient boost. Use a slow-release or organic fertilizer, following the instructions on the packaging for application rates. Over-fertilization can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooming, so it is best to err on the side of caution.
5. Sunlight: Salvia Love and Wishes thrives in full sun to partial shade. Provide it with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure robust growth and abundant flowering. Insufficient sunlight can lead to leggy plants with fewer blooms, so choose a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.
6. Soil: This salvia cultivar prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. A loose and well-aerated soil structure allows the roots to access oxygen and nutrients more efficiently.
7. Winter care: Salvia Love and Wishes is typically hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. If you live in a colder region, it is advisable to provide some winter protection. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures. You can also consider covering the plant with a frost cloth or moving it to a sheltered location if extremely cold weather is expected.
By following these care guidelines, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of Salvia Love and Wishes throughout the growing season. Remember to observe your plant closely and make adjustments to watering and fertilizing based on its specific needs. Gardening is a delightful journey of learning and adapting, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the best care routine for your Salvia Love and Wishes.
