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Salvia Black and Blue - big growth rate difference

NollieNollie Posts: 6,772
in Plants
Last year, I had a group of 3 of these salvias planted in the same conditions, same exposure to sun, all of equal age, size, health and happiness. I was pleased they survived the winter. However...

This pic was taken on 11 of April:

Pic taken today, exactly a month later, A has doubled in size, B has maybe got an extra leaf or three, but C is exactly the same, in fact it seems to have lost its only healthy-looking leaf:


C is definitely not a happy bunny and if it doesn’t pick up soon its for the compost heap. Which will be annoying as a group of three looks better than just two. I know there is always some variation, sometimes a plant just takes its own sweet time, but does this not seem a bit odd when all three were of identical size and vigour to begin with? Weirdly, I have another group of them the other end of the border and the same thing is happening there!

Interested to hear if others see the same sort of thing...
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.

Posts

  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 3,746
    I've noticed this behaviour in herbaceous perennials regularly, not especially salvias. Planted 3 identical specimens in same garden spot. One specimen grows very well, another is just OK and the third one looks miserable or even eventually dies. No rational explanation. 
    You are invited to a virtual visit of my garden (in English or in French).
  • NollieNollie Posts: 6,772
    Oh, that's a comfort (sort of!) Papi Jo. Makes me wonder whether its worth buying four and keeping one in reserve! 
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 3,746
    You could always divide specimen A.
    You are invited to a virtual visit of my garden (in English or in French).
  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,211
    Take some cuttings Nollie, they will soon grow!
  • NollieNollie Posts: 6,772
    Not really got into the cuttings/dividing thing yet, perhaps its time to start, sensible strategy. Maybe I will ease myself in gently and try a couple of cuttings from Mr Big  :)
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 865
    @Nollie I'd never taken any cuttings before last autumn, and I took some Penstemon Raven, Salvia Amistad and Salvia Love and Wishes. Had most success with the Penstemon, then the L&W, and even got several decent plants from the Amistad. All now growing well in the border (in groups of three, natch!). Can heartily recommend going down the cuttings route!


  • NollieNollie Posts: 6,772
    Good success rate, @Janie B, gives me hope. I did try taking cuttings from Verbena B once, supposed to be easy peasy. Followed all the advice. They started off well. Then they died.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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