Saltugilia grinnellii Plant Care

Saltugilia grinnellii (Saltugilia grinnellii) belongs to the Polemoniaceae family within the Saltugilia genus.

Saltugilia grinnellii displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Saltugilia grinnellii produces small, colorful trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Saltugilia grinnellii every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Saltugilia grinnellii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Saltugilia grinnellii tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Saltugilia grinnellii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Saltugilia grinnellii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Saltugilia grinnellii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Saltugilia grinnellii is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Saltugilia grinnellii can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Saltugilia grinnellii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Saltugilia grinnellii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Saltugilia grinnellii can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to southern gilia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Saltugilia grinnellii is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Saltugilia grinnellii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Saltugilia grinnellii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.