How to Transplant Desert Sage

Hardy and drought-resistant, desert sage is a wise choice for your landscaping needs if you live in a hot, dry climate. Desert sage, also known as purple sage or Salvia dorrii, grows to around 2 feet tall, and is recognizable by its silver-green leaves, purplish flowers and distinctive scent. When you need to transplant a desert sage bush to another location, avoid any drastic moves to prevent damage to the plant. You'll have better success in transplanting desert sage when you proceed gently.

Shovel
Gardening gloves
Liquid fertilizer or compost

Instructions

- 1
  Water the desert sage plant well the day before transplanting to loosen up the soil.
- 2
  Dig around the plant, several inches wider than the widest part of the plant. Avoid cutting any large roots as you dig. Work your way around the plant, creating a circle of cuts using the tip of the shovel.
- 3
  Work the root ball free of the ground underneath with the shovel. The root ball for most bushes, including desert sage, should be around 15 to 24 inches deep.
- 4
  Grasp the root ball and carefully lift the whole plant out of the newly dug hole. Keep the soil around the roots as best you can to reduce damage. Set the desert sage plant in shade near the new location.
- 5
  Dig a hole in the new location. Prepare the hole so that it is two to three times the diameter of the root ball. Add some liquid fertilizer or compost to the bottom of the new hole.
- 6
  Set the desert sage plant in the center of the hole and push the dirt back around the roots. Tamp the dirt down firmly but gently with the shovel. Water the desert sage immediately.

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