| I recently purchases some hearty Texas Sage bushes and have planted them in my back yard and within a week's time they have started to lose leaves from the bottom and no longer look as full. I have found that the type of soil that I have is clay. When I planted the bushes, I added some clayish type soil in order to make room for the roots to spread. I surrounded the plant with Dupont's rubber mulch. I am not sure if I may not have dug a wide enough hole and added enough soil, or maybe I added the wrong soil, or maybe they just won't grow in clay soil, or is the mulch the problem. Anything you can suggest to help me out, I would greatly appreciate it. I love the bushes and would really hate to lose them. Kindest regards, Jaime Angeles |
| Since you've only recently planted your Texas Sage, I think the problems are associated with transplant stress. It's normal and natural for plants to wilt, drop leaves and look otherwise puny while the root systems are trying to get themselves established in their new homes. Texas Sage is tolerant of all kinds of soil, so I don't think clay soil is causing any particular problem, nor should the mulch. At this point, water your plants deeply once each week. When they become established you'll see new growth. Next spring, just as they begin to grow again, you can prune to shape them and to encourage even more growth, which will help them fill out again and look attractive. Just be a little patient with your plants - they'll reward you with spectacular flowers and foliage by next spring. Enjoy! |
| I haven't planted my Texas sage yet. I have clay soil and I'm a novice gardener. Please be specific. Thanks |
