Red Salvia Plant Is Not Growing

Question From: H. Ochs - NEW JERSEY
Q: I planted red salvia almost a month ago in a sunny spot that gets ample water, and they just are not growing! All other plants around them are thriving ( I have perennial salvia, boxwood shrubs, hostas all in the same area). They don't seem to be bothered by pests. They seem to be just about the same size they were when I bought them in a 6 pack from the nursery. Any idea what I've done wrong?

A: Could be one ot two things, One; they are stunted - happens when they are planted in cold wet soil and cold weather. Two: they are stunted from an over-application of a plant growth activator. A chemical used when they want to slow the growth of plants. Could be a combination of the two. There is nothing to be done for cold stunting. If it's a PGR issue you maybe able to overcome it by fertilizing once a week with a a water soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Gro. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy