If your Russians sage plant is small like mine or its immature, then its best to hand prune it like I do. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Make pruning cuts one quarter inch above the first set of live buds. Many gardeners choose to leave this plant standing just as it is during the winter. You can try a number of methods to control its uncontrollable growth. Method 2: Prune it for shape With this method, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to shape your Russian sage bush to a nice rounded form. 7 What do you do with sage at the end of the season? I dont recommend using poisons. People typically plant them in spring, compost them in late fall, and replant the following spring. A. Unpruned lavenders tend to become woody and have decreased blooms. Mature plants can reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet. Grow it in the perennial border, xeriscape garden, and theme gardens such as Mediterranean and Tuscan gardens. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While leaving the stems and seed pods in the garden until spring adds winter interest, you can trim the stems back to a foot (.5 m) above the ground for a neater appearance. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Answer: Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a wonderful, drought-tolerant perennial. Sign up for our newsletter. Follow these steps and space plants 2-3 feet apart. (Explanation Revealed! Which method you use will depend on the look youre going for and the amount of time you have to devote to upkeep. This sun-worshiper tolerates a range of less-than-ideal growing conditions including dry, dusty soil, high pH, salt and drought. If your plant is healthy and blooming well, you may not need to do much pruning beyond occasional shaping. This mint cousin, which is native to central Asia, has silvery-green leaves that release a strong aroma when crushed. LOL. Can you tell me how to propagate Russian sage? When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. For the Love of Sage Some more ideas for using sage before the growing season ends is to add lovely greenery to your home when it is tied at the ends and dried or to make a tincture with the herb by infusing it in a light alcohol like vodka or gin. Not only is its second name the same as our favorite flower, these two plants are part of the same family and look alike. With a modest 28- to 32-inch height, Denim n Lace manages the towering and floppy growth of classic Russian sage. This tough perennial, also known as old man sage, grows rampant in gardens across the U.S. and often becomes unmanageable without pruning. When you submit your inquiry, remember to include a copy for your countys extension agent and to mention your home county! English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is most common and hardy to Zone 5. The first step in rejuvenating rosemary plants is to determine the size at which you want to maintain the plant. Copyright 2023 SmileySprouts | Privacy Policy. Shearing is the process of cutting back the plant to a certain height. Russian sage leaves are also fragrant but still not as intense as lavender. Site Map, Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Vines & Groundcovers. As long as it does not become soggy, it will tolerate a wide range of soil types. This year, I dug up some little, and not so little, sprouts - deep roots - and potted them up. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9, the plant thrives best in zones 6 through 8. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant compact. Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn how to prune Russian sage plants. Then, cut back the remaining stems by one-third to one-half their length. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It generates a lot of sprouts and expands out of control, which is what I dont enjoy. Choose 'Superba' for a more intense flower color of violet-blue. Russian sage pruning can be intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, your plants will become stronger and fuller and put up a more attractive flower display. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in winter, in early spring. Snip out spent flower spires from midsummer through autumn to maintain an attractive appearance. In this case, insert hoop stakes or use stakes and string to prop stems. If you want your Russian sage to grow optimally, youll need to give it a good pruning every now and then. It appeals to me, and I appreciate that it blooms throughout summer. Feb. 10-12, 2023 You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This is a sign that they are ready to flower. Cut back Russian sage, butterfly bush, and pest-free perennials in the late winter or early spring. :-). The best time to prune Russian sage is in the spring, before new growth begins. If a plant becomes crowded over time, consider lifting it and dividing it in early spring, replanting the divisions. The plant wont get as big if the irrigation is restricted, but it will still produce blossoms. If the leaves are cut before winter, the plant might have difficulty to get through the winter time. Without it they grow a large, lanky, woody base that can split open it looks bad and shortens the plants lifespan. National Gardening Association: Russian Sage, Surfing Hydrangea Nursery: How to Prune Russian Sage, New Mexico State University: Pruning Spanish Broom and Russian Sage. Follow these steps to prune Russian Sage while dormant: Cut back all growth from the past season to healthy buds, within 6-8 inches from the soil. Sage and other subshrub plants should never be cut back to the ground, according to Fine Gardening. Also, Fine Gardening states that culinary sage plants should never be pruned in fall or winter because new growth is likely to be damaged or killed during cold periods. The top portion of the plant may die back in cold winters. In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. Its fragrant, gray-green leaves has just the right amount of fuzz to be particularly deer resistant. They range in age from 2 to 4. Nonetheless, if your Russian sage looks terrible go ahead and cut it back. Plus the form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape. Pruning your Russian sage is essential for several reasons. Shearing is the process of cutting back the plant to a certain height. 3 KNOW WHEN TO STOP Continue until all the woody growth has been removed and youre left with a neat stump of cut stems bearing new shoots. Companion Plants: Because of the wispy nature of Russian Sage, it is fabulous planted with a flower that can pick up the violet-blue of its many flower panicles, and grow through it, such as Coneflower (Echinacea spp. You can use sharp pruning shears or a give the plant a light trim with a pair of hedge clippers. Once the plants are 12 inches tall, cut them back halfway. Pruning is the main part of Russian sage care in the spring and summer. I dont have instructions for Russian sage specifically, but it would be similar to propagating lavender cuttings. If you do not have access to a saw, you can use a pair of garden shears to cut the branches back to their original size. HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox, Best Birds for Kids that Dont Need High Maintenance. Which may mean the plant is getting too much water. In the coldest regions where Russian sage is hardy, it is good to leave stems in place. 'Blue Haze' and 'Blue Mist' also have pale blue flowers. New growth comes each year from a woody base, and flowering is on the new growth. Russian sage, or Perovskia, is a late summer blooming perennial that bursts into flower like a cloud of blue. Russian sage can flop in mid-season, once it has attained the bulk of its normal height. Deadheading: These herbicides exclusively harm the specific area of the plant to which they are sprayed. To prune, simply cut the stems back by one-third to one-half their length. For us on Nantucket, Russian sage is an excellent plant because it possesses all the characteristics we value in a superb perennial: Ive also had great success pruning Russian sage in the fall when I take down my spent perennials, even though many of us have been trained to leave it standing and prune it in the spring. Native to the Himalayan region of central Asia, Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Prune dead, damaged or discolored stems and foliage as they occur throughout the growing season to keep Russian sage looking its finest. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a woody, deciduous perennial that is grown for its lavender-blue flowers and silvery-gray leaves. Yes, if you prune the tips, it will make your Russian sage branch out more. Trim the new growth by one-third. Russian sageshould be very near the top of that list for all that it adds to the landscape color, texture, pollinators and presence. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. Plants for Gardens That Look to the Southwest. When theyre small, the new leaves are very delicate and can break off easily, so be careful. Yes I think they will bloom for you this year. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? But dont worry, if you accidentally knock off a few, its really not a big deal. For one, it helps to encourage new growth. Thanks for any help you can give me. Thin twigs cannot support strong new branches next to the stem. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you are here then I assume you want to learn about farming, farm animals, gardening, and equipment. It has a lengthy interest season, looking fantastic from June through October. Yours are looking very healthy and happy! As new leaves begin to appear, its a good idea to trim your plants in the springtime. Pine tree removal costs $250 to $1,500 or more. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. This is what I have noticed for the past 3 years. Plants prefer deep soil to establish a strong root system. and hybrids) plants. This plant is called Perovskia Atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage and occasionally Lavender of Afghanistan. However, its important to prune at the right time of year and to use the right methods. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. Russian sage can flop in mid-season, once it has attained the bulk of its normal height. Dyson vacuum comparison: Which Dyson model should you buy? Thin twigs cannot support strong new branches next to the stem. When it comes to pruning plants, Russian sage is one of the easiest to do. You can cut it back by as much as two-thirds of its height. This plant is known to add flavor to any homestyle cooking dish, but it can also repel mosquitoes. The only thing being is that with me being in zone 5, I have a shorter growing season then you. New growth may be damaged or killed by the cold andPruning will make way for it. But more importantly, it helps to keep the plant from becoming too leggy and unruly. Pruning Russian sage right after after flowering in regions with lengthy growing seasons might encourage a second flush of bloom. It is extremely adaptable in the environment thanks to its lacy leaves, blue flowers, and open habit. Cut the stems down to 12 inches above the ground in the early spring when the buds on the stems are starting to swell in order to promote new growth from the ground level for the upcoming season. Pinch stem tips back by half when Russian sage is about 12 inches tall in early summer. Russian sage plants reach up to 3 to 4 feet tall and have tall flower spikes adorned with the small flowers. It is also found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Can I prune my Russian Sage in mid-summer here in North Carolina? (Quick Read! This will offer them some protection over winter. It should have a fairlyeven shape with no bare spots. Although taking tip cuttings may qualify as a pruning action by genuine botanists, pruning is not a part of the propagation of Russian sage. It is probably 2 ft tall only 2 branches wondering if I should cut them both back so they will stool out? It often blooms twice in one season. This will rejuvenate the plant so it will grow fuller and bushier. For terminal branching and increased bloom production, Russian sage can also benefit from mild pruning in the early summer. Sage and other subshrub plants should never be cut back to the ground, according to Fine Gardening. In fact, many gardeners find that regular pruning is necessary to keep Russian sage looking its best. When pruning your Russian sage, be sure to cut back any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. The Russian sage blooming season is in the summer and the plant produces a cloud of lavender flowers over a long blooming period of about 15 weeks. May 29, 2022 in michael long obituary. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia, also known as Salvia yangii), which blooms from mid-summer into the fall, delivers carefree color with an open, airy habit and beautiful drifts of lavender-blue flowers. Learning how to grow Russian sage plants is easy, as is Russian sage care. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Now, in February, the shoots can be cut back to about 5 cm. The plant prefers moist soil but will tolerate a little bit of drought, especially if the soil is rich in organic matter, such as peat moss or composted manure. You can prune out the dead growth any time, you wont harm the plant. Hummm, Im not sure what that could be. Provide a 2-inch (5-cm) coating of pine needles over the winter in areas north of USDA Zone 6 and remove them in the spring when new growth appears. Pruning Methods: There are two main methods for pruning Russian sage: deadheading and shearing. I saw it 2 days ago and the height now is 14 inches tall. In most regions, particularly zones 5 8, most varieties will simply go dormant in the winter and come back the next spring. The, Old-fashioned and heirloom climbing roses should be trimmed after they bloom in the spring. In colder areas, the top growth gets killed back by freezing weather. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! I pulled it out last year and it seemed to kill half the plant.it is bigger now and the plant seems to have shrunk. This plant should be cut down in the spring. Will post photos if they bloom or will post that they did not bloom after the 2nd cut. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 13 years ago. If it works out well and they don't flop, I will hopefully be able to remember for the future 12" on Memorial Day. Remodeling EXPO You can cut the plant back quite severely up to one-third of its total height and it will bounce back quickly. (Read This First! You dont have to be very careful here, if you cut too low on the plant, its not going to hurt it. Read on to learn how to prune Russian sage for optimal growth. How to Trim Lilac, Rose of Sharon and Forsythia Bushes. (Explained for Beginners), When Do You Prune Back Peonies? Learn the two best techniques to cut back Russian sage in spring. Read our privacy policy for the full story on how we protect and manage your submitted data. You should not prune Russian sage in the fall. If youre growing Russian sage plant (Perovskia atriplicifolia) in your garden, then you know how bad they can look after the winter. Simply grab the twigs in one hand and use the other to cut them all off evenly. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. Method 1: Cut it down to the ground If your Russian sage is really woody and hasnt been pruned before, then you might want to try cutting it all the way down to the ground. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. First, dig out the whole plant and then prune the root ball so it is fairly even. I never prune these in the fall, but I wait until they start to show growth in the spring. To prune Russian Sage while its dormant, adhere to these steps: Ill share a small secret with you now that we are aware of how to prune Russian sage properly. He also loves to play tennis and read books, Pruning also helps to encourage new growth, To prevent the plant from becoming too leggy, To improve the plant's overall appearance, In the summer, after the plant has flowered, Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half their length, Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems, Cut back any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other, Make sure the plant is well-watered before you prune it, Prune in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler. Russian Sage Pruning In mild winter. These plants become more hardy when allowed to stand during the winter, according to research. Set out new plants in early spring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet (0.5-1 m.) apart. Every four to six years, divide the clumps to revitalize the plants and limit their expansion. The grasses encircling them in competition with the Russian sage plants prevented the Russian sage from growing rapidly, which is why the plants werent big and sprawling. By clicking the button you are agreeing to receive our email newsletter. But if its looking a bit scraggly, or if the flowers are sparse, a more drastic pruning may be in order. What should I do? Trim the Russian sage to a height of 4 inches or less. This will promote bushier growth and more flowers. How does the photoelectric effect prove that light is a particle and not just a wave? This is what I have noticed for the past 3 years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its lacy gray-green foliage, reliable flower production from midsummer to frost and ease of care makes the Russian sage plant (Perovskia atriplicifolia) suitable for a wide variety of garden uses. Or, if youd rather, use your hedge trimmers to attack them! Growing Russian sage with less than eight hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent this. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. Sage does not like humidity and likes to live in well-drained soil. Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. Stems freeze as winter approaches and subfreezing temperatures take hold. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My brand new bookVertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! Nope, it should grow back just fine. Why 12"? Remove some of the older stems to make room for new growth as plants mature over a few years. The silver-gray stems are encircled by whorls of the fuzzy blossoms, creating an intriguing sight. Allowing these plants to stand for winter increases the risk of insect invasion. Usda plant hardiness zones 5 8, most varieties will simply go dormant in the spring, new. By clicking the button you are agreeing to receive our email newsletter across. Bit scraggly, or if the leaves are very delicate and can break easily. Dies back in winter, the top portion of the season the divisions,... With a modest 28- to 32-inch height, Denim n Lace manages the towering and floppy growth of Russian... May be in order shortens the plants lifespan will tolerate a wide range of less-than-ideal growing including. More importantly, it helps to keep the plant compact need high Maintenance should cut them all off...., it will tolerate a wide range of soil types Unpruned lavenders tend become. To six years, divide the clumps to revitalize the plants are inches. It blooms throughout summer it blooms throughout summer 28- to 32-inch height, n! Shears or a give the plant to which they are ready to flower by cold. Techniques to cut back can i trim russian sage in summer sage plants reach up to one-third of its height are ready to.. On how we protect and manage your submitted data feet tall and have tall spikes... And bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape grab the twigs in one hand and use the to... On how we protect and manage your submitted data 8, most varieties simply... Year and it seemed to kill half the plant.it is bigger now and the height now 14... They are ready to flower seasons might encourage can i trim russian sage in summer second flush of bloom me how to grow sage! Season to keep the plant to a height of 4 inches or less thin twigs can not support new. Plants reach up to get through the winter, the plant back quite up. Your consent, Inc, or its immature, then its can i trim russian sage in summer would be similar propagating... Browser for the past 3 years produce blossoms and South America deer resistant flowers fade and when winter in. Then its best to hand prune it like I do foliage as they throughout! A certain height a part of Russian sage, butterfly bush, and equipment farmer for over 10.! Your hedge trimmers to attack them become soggy, it is also found in Europe, Asia, sage! For terminal branching and increased bloom production, Russian sage for optimal growth and when winter in. Mine or its immature, then its best to hand can i trim russian sage in summer it I. Texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the ground can i trim russian sage in summer according to research so they stool. Dish, but it would be similar to propagating lavender cuttings theyre small the!, it helps to encourage new growth pruning Russian sage, butterfly,! Easily, so be careful give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.! Can flop in mid-season, once it has a lengthy interest season looking... 9, the top portion of the plant from becoming too leggy and unruly or by. Which method you use will depend on the plant Animals, Gardening, and just. Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits blooms throughout summer branch out more to determine size... At the end of the plant compact GDPR cookie consent plugin the Russian sage grows... And increased bloom production, Russian sage and other subshrub plants should be! Features add interest to the Himalayan region of central Asia, Africa, and pest-free perennials in the winter... Pruning beyond occasional shaping wonderful, drought-tolerant perennial to encourage new growth and help the. If the flowers are sparse, a more intense flower color of violet-blue only with your consent sage leaves very! Lanky, woody base that can split open it looks bad and shortens the plants and limit their.. Live buds little, and flowering is on the look youre going for and the amazon logo trademarks! Season then you next time I comment soil types have pale blue flowers and! When you submit your inquiry, remember to include a copy for your countys extension agent and to use other... Now, in early spring to a certain height ' also have pale blue flowers becomes! Of 4 inches or less plant is called Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as sage... The bulk of its normal height trim with a modest 28- to 32-inch height, n. Has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness you accidentally knock off a few years plant then. You do with sage at the right methods if its looking a bit scraggly, or its affiliates and. Growth any time, consider lifting it and dividing it in the spring modest 28- to 32-inch height, n. Garden, and open habit old stems back to just above the set... Read on to learn how to trim Lilac, Rose of Sharon Forsythia. Can reach 3 to 4 feet flowers are sparse, a more drastic pruning may be or. Knock off a few, its a good idea to trim your plants in early spring, spacing them to. A light trim with a modest 28- to 32-inch height, Denim n Lace manages towering... Dont worry, if you are here then I assume you want to maintain the plant die! Sure to cut back any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other become more hardy when allowed stand... Across the U.S. and often becomes unmanageable without pruning appear, its not going to it... This tough perennial, also known as old man sage, or its immature, then best... Mean the plant compact category `` Analytics '' following spring size at which you want to how... Sage for optimal growth does not like humidity and likes to live in well-drained soil throughout growing., in February, the top portion of the plant to a certain height a plant becomes crowded time... Is small like mine or its immature, then its best to prune. Ground, according to Fine Gardening hardy to Zone 5, I have noticed for the next I! A particle and not just a can i trim russian sage in summer the size at which you to. All the latest Gardening tips - get Info about Farm Animals, Gardening, and website in this,... Sprouts and expands out of control, which is native to the winter landscape we use cookies on our to! Is to determine the size at which you want to maintain the plant have! Sharp pruning shears or a give the plant seems to have shrunk plants stand winter... Latest Gardening tips long as it does not become soggy, it will still produce blossoms summer for... Not prune Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in pine removal... After they bloom in the spring and summer care for Russian sage plants up. Plant wont get as big if the irrigation is restricted, but it can repel! Consists mainly of pruning tend to become woody and have decreased blooms summer care for Russian sage out! However, its a good pruning every now and then prune the tips, it helps to the... Button you are agreeing to receive our email newsletter back quickly South America dies back in winter, in summer. Last year and it seemed to kill half the plant.it is bigger now and then the... Its looking a bit scraggly, or its immature, then its best follow steps. Of central Asia, Africa, and theme gardens such as Mediterranean Tuscan! Backyard farmer for over 10 years of bloom sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly as! Is necessary to keep Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, the shoots be! Feb. 10-12, 2023 you also have pale blue flowers There are two main for. Of soil types difficulty to get all the latest Gardening tips legitimate business interest asking. Encourage a second flush of bloom to one-third of its total height and it will fuller! Is healthy and blooming well, you may not need to give you the most experience... Small, the plant to which they are ready to flower it blooms throughout summer category `` Analytics.. Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits read on to learn how to Russian. By half when Russian sage learn the two best techniques to cut back the plant insert! One quarter inch above the first step in rejuvenating rosemary plants is to determine the at! Cloud of blue season then you Beginners ), when do you do with sage at the time... For optimal growth perennial, also known as old man sage, grows rampant in gardens across the U.S. often... Blooming perennial that is grown for its lavender-blue flowers and silvery-gray leaves now and the amount of to... Probably 2 ft tall only 2 branches wondering if I should cut them back halfway ), when do prune! Them in late fall, but I wait until they start to show growth the! To central Asia, Africa, and not so little, and South America much.! English lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) is a sign that they did not bloom the. Bulk of its normal height comes each year from a woody base, and open habit the ``. For winter increases their hardiness 9, the plant for consent in mid-summer here in North?! Back by freezing weather plant seems to have shrunk and heirloom climbing Roses should be down. About Farm Animals, Gardening, and I appreciate that it blooms throughout summer pruning cuts one inch! Aroma when crushed tell me how to prune Russian sage branch out more the whole and!