Troubleshooting
Curved-Flower Sage problems — and how to fix them
Curved-Flower Sage (Salvia curviflora) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Aphids and whitefly
Soft new growth in spring attracts aphid colonies and whitefly; blast off with a strong jet of water or apply an insecticidal soap spray, targeting the undersides of leaves.
Verticillium wilt
A soil-borne fungus causing sudden wilting of shoots; there is no cure once established — remove and destroy affected plants and avoid replanting salvias in the same spot for several years.
Prevent curved-flower sage problems before they start
Most curved-flower sage issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Curved-Flower Sage problems — FAQ
Why is my curved-flower sage aphids and whitefly?
Soft new growth in spring attracts aphid colonies and whitefly; blast off with a strong jet of water or apply an insecticidal soap spray, targeting the undersides of leaves.
Why is my curved-flower sage verticillium wilt?
A soil-borne fungus causing sudden wilting of shoots; there is no cure once established — remove and destroy affected plants and avoid replanting salvias in the same spot for several years.