Quick take note
Texas sage ( Leucophyllum frutescens ) is a popular evergreen plant shrub native to thesouthwestern United Statesand northern Mexico . Known for its argent - greenish foliage and vibrant purple flowers , Texas salvia is a low - maintenance plant that tally beauty and charm to any landscape painting . To maintain its optimum health and appearance , regular pruning is essential . This comprehensive guide will provide you with step - by - step instructions on how to prune Texas sage efficaciously .
When to Prune Texas Sage
Theideal timeto prune Texas salvia is during its dormant time of year , whichtypically fallsbetween late wintertime ( February ) and other bound ( March ) . This period allows the plant to recover from the pruning and focus its energy on new development . obviate pruning during the summertime calendar month , as it can try the plant and make it more susceptible to pests and disease .
Pruning Techniques for Texas Sage
1 . Light Pruning : Inner Light pruning involves removing idle or pathologic offset , as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other . Use incisive , clean pruning shearstomake fish cutsjust above a leaf node.2 . temperate Pruning : temperate pruning is recommend to shape the plant and control its sizing . bump off up to one - third of the overall growth , focusing on thinning outdense areasand shortening overgrown branches.3 . serious Pruning : austere pruning is only necessary in extreme shell , such as when the plant life has become overgrown or neglected . Remove up to two - third of the industrial plant ’s growth , cutting backto themain frameworkof branches .
Step-by-Step Pruning Instructions
1 . Safety First : endure gloves andsafety glassesto protect yourself from thorns and debris.2 . Identify andRemove Deador Diseased Branches : Inspect the plant for any dead ordiseased ramification . These branches will be brown or opprobrious in color and may haveloose barque . Cut them off at their base.3 . Thin Out Dense Areas : If the plant life has become too impenetrable , move out some of thesmaller branchesto allow more lighting and air to circulate.4 . contract Overgrown Branches : Cut back any limb that have grow too farseeing or out of shape . Make angled cut just above a foliage knob facing outward.5 . Shape the Plant : apply pruning shear to shape the flora as desired . you could create arounded shape , asquare shape , or any other shape that complements your landscape design .
Benefits of Pruning Texas Sage
1 . Promotes Healthy Growth : Pruning removes dead ordiseased branch , let the plant to focus its Energy Department on new , healthy growth.2 . Controls Size and Shape : Regular pruning helps to control the size of it and shape of the plant , prevent it from becoming overgrown and unsightly.3 . Encourages Flowering : Pruning encourages the flora to develop more flowers by remove old , spent bloomsand stimulating newfangled growth.4 . Improves Air Circulation : Pruning serve toimprove air circulationaround the plant , which reduces the hazard of pests and diseases .
Aftercare Tips
1 . Mulch Around the Plant : After pruning , spread a stratum of mulch around the base of the plant toretain moistureand suppress weeds.2 . Water on a regular basis : Water theplant deeplyafter pruning to help oneself it recover from the accent of pruning.3 . Fertilize meagrely : Fertilize Texas sage slenderly , as it is not aheavy tributary . Use abalanced fertilizerwith a ratio of 10 - 10 - 10 .
Common Questions and Answers
Q : Can Iprune Texas sagein the summer?A : It is not recommend toprune Texas sagein the summer as it can stress the plant and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases . Q : How often should I prune Texas sage?A : Texas sageshould bepruned per annum , during its dormant time of year ( late winter toearly spring).Q : What creature do I require to trim Texas sage?A : You will need penetrating , sportsmanlike pruning shearsto cut back Texas sage .