Shirley,

I'm so sorry that happened - it is funny how that will sneak up on you. I purchased two salvia in early March and parked them in the back yard until I could get around to planting them. Had a couple of hot days that week... full sun...black nursery pots... yikes! Thankfully, they have revived.

I would recommend placing the whole pot inside a large bucket or plastic tote tub. Fill the bucket/tote with water and give the rootball a good soak. Lots of times we don't realize, but when we water a really dry plant, the water finds a path to the bottom and runs out...always along that path... and much of the rootball remains dry. You need ALL of the roots to get some good moisture. Let the water run into the pot from the bottom so that the plant pot slowly fills up from the bottom. Then let it soak, but for no more than 10-20 minutes. Then lift it out and let all the water drain out freely. I bet you will then see a quick recovery. I've used this many times and it is a wonderful method for a really, really dried-out plant.

Good luck with your new little guy and let us know what happens!

EDIT: Ooops - forgot to answer your question! I would not prune until you see the recovery and which branches are truly dead and which ones get new leaves. You don't want to mistakenly cut off a branch that will contribute (photosynthesis) to the improved health of the plant. Hold off for 2-3 weeks until you get a better picture of the plant's future.

Carol in Jacksonville

This post was edited by love_the_yard on Sat, May 17, 14 at 11:27