Rejuvenate shrubby salvias

Bushy salvias such as Salvia greggii and S. microphylla (below) should be clipped in early spring (if you didn’t do so in late autumn), cutting them back by one-third to half to form a ball shape. For salvias with long, upright canes, including S. dorisiana and S. madrensis, cut at least half the canes, starting with the longest, back to ground level. Give them fertiliser and a deep drink, and they will soon bounce back with new growth and, eventually, flowers. Salvias strike easily so don’t waste the pruning material. Place lots of firm, healthy shoot tips 8–10cm long in pots of fresh potting mix. When they form roots, grow them on in individual pots to fill gaps in your garden or share with friends.