big red sage

Big Red Sage should be watered thoroughly every other week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the hottest part of the summer, you may want to water your sage once a week. Always check the soil before watering; if the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water. When watering, be sure to thoroughly moisten the entire root spread. If the plant does not receive enough water, it will become stressed and may not flower or produce foliage.

Big red sage (Salvia penstemonoides) needs 5 to 6 hours of direct or bright, indirect sunlight per day, depending on the season. During the spring and summer, the plant will require more direct sunlight, ideally at least 4 to 5 hours. During the winter months, the plant will need 5 to 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight. Sunlight requirements can also vary depending on the environment in which the plant is being grown. For example, in an environment where there is more tree cover or fog, the plant may require more sunlight to survive.

Big red sage (Salvia penstemonoides) can be pruned in late winter or early spring. It is recommended that you only prune this plant when it is actively growing and that you do not prune more than 1-third of its total growth. While pruning, you should target any leggy or overgrown branches and thin out excess growth. Additionally, you can use shears or scissors to remove dead or diseased stems. Afterward, you should apply a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture. It is also important to fertilize your Salvia penstemonoides in early spring with a diluted liquid fertilizer.