Roseleaf Sage Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'

Water

Roseleaf sage prefers consistent moisture, so water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering with about 1-2 gallons every week, but this can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. Be sure not to overwater, as sage plants are susceptible to root rot if left in soggy soil. It's best to water early in the day so that the leaves have time to dry before the cooler evening temperatures, which helps prevent disease.

Light

The best light conditions for roseleaf sage include full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place the plant in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day but is protected during the hottest part of the afternoon in very warm climates. Dappled sunlight is also acceptable, as long as the plant stays vibrant and continues to produce blooms.

Temperature

Roseleaf sage fares best within a temperature range of 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It's hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10 and can tolerate brief dips in temperature as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. However, to thrive, the plant should be protected from extreme cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing for prolonged periods.

Pruning

Pruning roseleaf sage is essential to promote bushier growth, encourage more blooms, and maintain plant health. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new blooms. Conduct more thorough pruning in early spring or fall, shaping the plant and removing any woody or dead stems. A significant pruning session once a year is often sufficient unless the plant becomes overgrown or unruly.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Bethellii sage, or Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii', thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. A good recipe for this plant would include a mixture of two parts garden soil, one part peat or coco coir, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH for Bethellii sage should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Bethellii sage or Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii' should be repotted every one to two years or when it has outgrown its current pot. This will help to refresh the soil, provide more room for root growth, and maintain the health of the plant. It is best to repot in the spring, just as the plant is entering a period of active growth.

Humidity & Misting

Bethellii sage, commonly known as Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii', prefers moderate to high humidity levels. The best humidity level for this plant is around 40-60%. It can tolerate lower humidity, but the foliage will appreciate a more humid environment, especially if grown indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade; protect from strong winds and frost.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii', commonly known as Bethell's sage, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm conditions after a period of dormancy. The seedling stage follows, where the plant develops its initial root system and seed leaves (cotyledons) to start photosynthesizing. During the vegetative stage, it grows true leaves and stems, expanding in size and developing the characteristic foliage of Bethell's sage. This stage also includes the development of a more robust root system. As it enters the flowering stage, bud formation occurs, followed by the blooming of its striking pink to magenta flowers, typically from mid-summer to fall. The plant then sets seeds which are distributed to complete the cycle, and as a perennial, it can enter a period of dormancy in the winter before resuming growth in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagating Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii', also known as Roseleaf Sage, is through stem cuttings. This is ideally carried out in late spring to early summer when the plant has new growth that is not yet mature. To propagate, a gardener would cut a healthy stem 4-6 inches long, strip the leaves from the lower half, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. The stem is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is buried as roots will develop from this area. The pot should be kept moist but not waterlogged and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within 2 to 4 weeks, after which the new Roseleaf Sage plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into the garden.