Pinch back when young to encourage a dense groundcover form and to prevent it from getting too woody near the base (3). Generally requires little to no maintenance after establishment, but can be pruned if desired. If pruning is desired, after spring / early summer flowering, can be headed back by removing as much of the new-ish growth as desired (1). Doing so immediately after the first bloom encourages subsequent blooms, but sacrifices the development of seeds for wildlife to eat (S). Remove dead seed heads in the Fall (October) (1). Consider leaving some of the pruned dry seed heads in the garden for food, nesting material, and habitat for birds and other critters you want around (S). Cut back by up to 1/3 to 1/2 or more of the leafy part of the branches in Fall to keep compact form, just make sure to leave at least two leafy nodes per branch as plants might not push new growth if cut below leafy nodes into old wood (3) These plants grow very wide over time. It may be hard to imagine a one gallon plant getting six to eight feet wide in a few years, but it will happen. Often this plant is grown too close to other plants, which leads to it growing over other plants, mounding higher than desired or smothering other plants, and requiring more pruning than desired to keep it a reasonable size for the space. Only plant it if you have the room. If not, choose from one of the other great Salvias available (S).
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