Salvia splendens 'Vanguard Red'

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring - mid-late · Planting

Trim the plant

Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.

Winter-Spring · Planting

Protect from winter cold

Bring the plant into a frost-free area before frosts occur, and do not put them outside until all danger of frost is past. Follow watering instructions, or allow the plant a period of dormancy during the winter.

Plants need to be brought inside in cold areas, i.e. colder than zone 8.

Compost · Planting

Loam based compost + grit for repotting

Use a free draining loam based compost rather than one which has been modified to be 'moisture retentive'.

Alternatively prepare a compost using three parts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3) to one part of (horticultural) sand or fine (horticultural) grit.

Compost · Planting

Multi-purpose compost

Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.