Hi Heathen,

When I first planted the Van Houteii, it had the same amount off sun like yours and was a straggly looking plant, after 6 months it turned into a big beautiful plant with neverending flowers, with a little patience and a bit off tlc this baby will take off.

Here is a link that might be useful:

oh okay! thanks! Do you prune it during the winter?

Nahh, I am a sulk, I dont prune anything with flowers.I know this salvia doesnt like full sun;)

Here is a link that might be useful:

I prune things that die back and look ugly.... like Shasta Daisy... or things that grow completely out of control... but the rest, I kinda let go. My Salvia apiana got so huge.... but I pruned that for use. :o)
I think in our zones we don't have to prune so much.

I totally agree:),I just started the salvia apiana from seed, also trying the tricky desert sages, my S.Mohavensis and S.Pachyphylla are getting bigger.

wait a few years for the apiana to flower... whooweee! mine were like 7-8' tall... I mean the bloom spikes. People kept asking me what that plant was....

I can hardly wait:)