I had a question on the maintenance of Sage (Salvia 'Shangri-La Sage'). Planted it last year while it was in bloom and deadheaded it as advised which allowed the basal leaves to put on some healthy growth. It's already started to green up with new leaves this year which is a happy sight (although we just got a cover of snow on it over the weekend ), but I was wondering if I should clear out last year's leaves.

For this variety, the leaves are quite "wooly," fibrous and thick. I was able to pull the remains of last year's stalks with ease, but the leaves just kind of mash up into a "cottony" mess. I was mostly curious if anyone knew if last year's growth would crowd the new growth or if it actually offers some protection. Thank in advance for any advice!

@GoCart

I haven't grown this beauty before, but I'd wait to pull on last years leaves until the last freeze ends in your area and zone, so that the plant stays hardy for you this year.

@FBTS Kermit,

I didn't see it on your website, but would you chime in?

I suggest treating this variety as you would Salvia indica. There are copious details on it's page at fbts.com

Thanks Kermit for chiming in.

Thank you very much for the help, Marilyn and Kermit! I looked at both Salvia indica and Salvia moorcroftiana which are the supposed parents for my hybrid. Both state:

"Dormant Season Pruning
At the end of the season, cut to ground any remaining flower stems."

Since it makes no mention of the leaves, I'm guessing I'm just supposed to leave them alone. Not sure if it's supposed to be evergreen in warmer climates, but as for where I'm at, it thoroughly browned out and went dormant over winter. Not a problem as it's sprung back with plenty of healthy new growth in the last week or two.

While I tried to remove some of the old leaves, it was a mess as I said before. Think I'll leave the leaves alone from now on and just keep an eye on them.