Hi Clara,

For the plant that is not doing well, yes, you can trim off the white (dead) portions.  That is typical of a water issue--it's possible that that plant is getting too much or too little water; either could cause those symptoms.  Too much is more common for sage plants--make sure you don't have an irrigation leak, or perhaps a soil texture difference that is making that plant sit in wet soil longer than the other.

I hope this is helpful!

Cordially,

John



Hi Clara,

You need to feel the soil around the plant to determine how wet or dry it is, down a few inches (a finger length is usually enough).  If it is very dry, then the drought stress seems simple; give that plant a bit more water.

If, however, the soil is sopping, you will need to diagnose the source of the extra water--irrigation issues being the top culprit, a very heavy clay soil texture being a distant runner-up.  Either way, you will find that the soil is quite wet--repair any leaks if necessary, and adjust the irrigation so as to allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings.

Cordially,

John