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Pruning salvia microphylla

anniedtanniedt Posts: 85
in Plants
I have just cut back salvia microphylla 'Hot Lips' and salvia microphylla 'Trewithen Cerise' and am now worried that I should have waited until new growth emerges in te spring.  Are they doomed or can I wrap them in e.g. bubble wrap and pray?
Thank you.

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,441
    Hello Anniedt and welcome to the forum  :)
    Ideally,  you should have left the top growth on, but l wouldn't advise wrapping them in bubble wrap as this will just trap moisture and lead to rot.
    Are they in the ground or in a pot ? Whereabouts in the UK are you? Just a rough location will do.
  • anniedtanniedt Posts: 85
    Thank you AnniD.  One is in the ground and one is in a pot, they are both in a courtyard garden in the East Midlands.  I should have a minder when I am let loose with secateurs!
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,441
    Don't worry,  we've all done it !
    If they are in a courtyard garden, l'm guessing it's pretty sheltered. Personally,  l would move the one in the pot close to the house wall if you can, or at least "a" wall, and make sure it's off the ground on pot feet or bricks so that it drains.
    The one in the ground will have to take it's chances, but if the soil is well drained that will help. Fingers crossed ! 
    Did you cut them right down to the ground, or are there still a few inches of stem left ?
  • anniedtanniedt Posts: 85
    The one in the pot is up against the garden wall inbetween a bay and a rosemary, both in pots; I will check the 'feet'.  The one in the ground is in a new-this-year raised bed and so is in good soil with drainage.  No, I did not completely murder them, there is about a foot left with some leaves.  So you think they may be ok?
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,441
    I can't promise faithfully,  but l think you may well be in with a chance. So much depends on the winter that we get. If they do make it, don't tidy them up until at least the middle of April,  preferably later.
    If you remember,  let me know how it goes !
  • anniedtanniedt Posts: 85
    Many thanks; I will make a note in my diary to let you know.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,441
     :) 
  • FireFire Posts: 17,116
    edited November 2019
    I've taken to only pruning in the spring, as pruning can weaken, and top grow creates a slight pocket of warmth around the plant, so is more likely to survive snow and frost. I would fleece plants or bring them inside if worried.
  • anniedtanniedt Posts: 85
    Thank you Fire, sound advice. I will take a chance this year; lesson learned!  
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