But, the best time for pruning Russian sage is in the spring. But more importantly, it helps to keep the plant from becoming too leggy and unruly. (Explained for Beginners), When Do You Prune Back Peonies? Instead, Russian sage is a small ornamental flowering shrub that looks more like lavender than sage. Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. PBS Wisconsin Bev. But if its looking a bit scraggly, or if the flowers are sparse, a more drastic pruning may be in order. They are not harmful to humans or pets, but they can cause damage to your plants if you let them grow unchecked. Had blooms. Sage does not like humidity and likes to live in well-drained soil. Register now In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches, then trim back any wayward stems that are growing outside of the plants natural shape. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in winter, in early spring. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. This adaptable perennial plant can be used as a filler in a mixed border, as hedging, in mass plantings throughout the landscape, or in containers. HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox, Best Birds for Kids that Dont Need High Maintenance. How to Trim Lilac, Rose of Sharon and Forsythia Bushes. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring. (Read This First! Roswell, NM Answer: Spanish broom and Russian sage should be pruned during the dormant season if large stems are removed. Thin twigs cannot support strong new branches next to the stem. 'Blue Haze' and 'Blue Mist' also have pale blue flowers. WEBINAR: Read full disclosure. Sage should be pruned in late spring or early summer after significant growth has occurred. Learning how to grow Russian sage plants is easy, as is Russian sage care. Choose a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content that contains little to no nitrogen because phosphorus is more crucial for flowering (read the label for this information). If it works out well and they don't flop, I will hopefully be able to remember for the future 12" on Memorial Day. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? Make sure the plant is well-watered before you prune it. Plants like a full day of sun if it is hot or cold, but they may not be able to get enough light if it is too hot or cold. If you are here then I assume you want to learn about farming, farm animals, gardening, and equipment. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Use a serrated knife to split your sage plant for transplanting. Cutting back Russian sage prevents it from becoming overgrown and keeps the plant full and bushy. Remove any damaged or broken timber as well as any dead branches. Pruning Russian sage is super easy! ), When Is The Best Time To Prune Azaleas? Finally, pruning helps to keep your Russian sage looking its best. Your email address will not be published. Register now This year, I dug up some little, and not so little, sprouts - deep roots - and potted them up. Preparing the Site Clip dead and damaged stems back to the ground to encourage the growth of healthy new shoots from the base of the plant. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Once they are established, they can withstand droughts as well. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These buds are the ones that will produce the next generation of plants. 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. Rejuvenate plants as they get older over a few years by cutting some of the older stems to the ground. Deadheading: Deadheading will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. You can maintain the size of the shrub through summer with light pruning and harvesting. This is what I have noticed for the past 3 years. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. Ideally I would try to move the plant I have but I am afraid I will kill it. Russian Sage Pruning In mild winter. I have two different varieties of three Russian sage plants planted in medium to full light. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. It is also found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Plus the form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape. Two thirds of our year here is cloudy and gray. Can an existing marble back splash be cut to remove a piece? To prune, simply cut the stems back by one-third to one-half their length. Take just fresh growth. By pruning, you are essentially giving the plant a haircut. Plants shouldn't be pruned in the fall, since this could encourage early growth that is susceptible to frost damage, advises Arbor Valley Nursery. In fact, you want to be aggressive with large shrubs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But dont worry, if you accidentally knock off a few, its really not a big deal. Feb. 17-19, 2023 When you submit your inquiry, remember to include a copy for your countys extension agent and to mention your home county! Such excessive growth can cause the stems to become top-heavy, and then flop. The Russian sage can also be restrained by being surrounded by plants that are fiercely competitive. How many times a year does lavender bloom? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. Aphids are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the leaves of plants. 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. michigan solar projects. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant compact. I want my russian sage to be smaller. The plant wont get as big if the irrigation is restricted, but it will still produce blossoms. Trimming & Pruning: Deadheading will not affect bloom time for Russian sage, however it should be cut back each year in early spring to approximately 12-15 above the ground. I dont have instructions for Russian sage specifically, but it would be similar to propagating lavender cuttings. I want it to get bushy and fuller. I cut my Russian Sage down to nearly the ground in fall after a hard freeze. Growing Russian sage with less than eight hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent this. 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. In fact, Russian sage thrives in dry soil and rarely needs watering once established. If your Russian sage plants are leggy or floppy, you can cut them back even harder, to 6 inches or so above the ground. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. Sage and other subshrub plants should never be cut back to the ground, according to Fine Gardening. Will post photos if they bloom or will post that they did not bloom after the 2nd cut. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Shear off the top one-third of the stems if the plant starts to sprawl or spread open in late spring or summer to promote upright growth. Simply grab the twigs in one hand and use the other to cut them all off evenly. Trim this plant back to about 12 inches tall late in the fall, if you wish. This will rejuvenate the plant, maintain a manageable size and produce heavier blooming on the new growth. Can I prune my Russian Sage in mid-summer here in North Carolina? If you want your Russian sage to grow optimally, youll need to give it a good pruning every now and then. To encourage full, bushy growth, prune each stem back by one-third to one-half its length. It appeals to me, and I appreciate that it blooms throughout summer. As long as it does not become soggy, it will tolerate a wide range of soil types. 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. On Russian sage, a harsh winter may kill all of the aboveground stems, and only the crown produces new growth. If you live in a warmer zone and your sage has bloomed through the winter, you can trim sage plant stems back to about 1/3 to 1/2 the plant's original size, according to Wilson Bros Gardens. Pruning Russian sage requires courage. National Gardening Association: Russian Sage, Surfing Hydrangea Nursery: How to Prune Russian Sage, New Mexico State University: Pruning Spanish Broom and Russian Sage. Do not water more than once or twice a week, as watering too often can lead to root rot and other problems. Plant them once and they will return every year. They are off to a great start this year. Russian sage does tend to spread more when you cut it down to the ground rather than just pruning the branches back to fresh growth. 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. New growth comes each year from a woody base, and flowering is on the new growth. Pruning Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a necessity if you want this woody perennial to retain its shape and produce an abundance of flowers each summer. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. Not only is its second name the same as our favorite flower, these two plants are part of the same family and look alike. Mature plants can reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet. This grid will be partially obscured by the plants as they expand as they grow through it. Dust the leafless portion of the stem in rooting hormone powder. This sun-worshiper tolerates a range of less-than-ideal growing conditions including dry, dusty soil, high pH, salt and drought. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Typically, the crown is hardly visible above ground. The fuzzy flowers are whorled around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene. Something is mushroom shaped growth at the base of my Russian sage. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. 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. It goes from a hazy, pale blue to a jubilant azure. By clicking the button you are agreeing to receive our email newsletter. Cleanliness is important when pruning any plant, but its especially important with Russian sage. In Zones 49, hardy. Remove some of the older stems to make room for new growth as plants mature over a few years. Every other year in the late fall, scatter a spoonful of all-purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost around each plant. Copyright 2023 SmileySprouts | Privacy Policy. Cut your Russian sage back to about 4 inches above the ground. How do you keep Russian sage under control? If the leaves are cut before winter, the plant might have difficulty to get through the winter time. You can also dry . Plants shouldnt be pruned in the fall, since this could encourage early growth that is susceptible to frost damage, advises Arbor Valley Nursery. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Follow these steps to prune Russian Sage while dormant: Herbs that hold some leaves through winter for example, sage and winter savory will endure the cold better if you give them seasonal shelter from frigid winds. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. This will encourage new growth and produce a bushier plant. Complete Explanation, How To Prune To Make A Cloud Tree? However, they cut it around late fall/early winter when the leaves are all dead. If your plant is healthy and blooming well, you may not need to do much pruning beyond occasional shaping. The plant will have, The side shoots around the ends of the branch can now be shaped into a cloud shape. As close as nearly. Read on to learn more about how and when to prune your Russian sage. Russian sage has two sites where new growth appears in the spring: the stems and the plants crown, which is where the stem tissue and roots converge. If you want bright flowers in the spring, this sage should be placed in full sunshine. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Many times the dead branches will break off easily, so you can just snap them off at the base if thats easier. Les spcialistes de la rnovation chez les particuliers, Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. That way, you wont accidentally cut off any of the plants flower buds, which form on new growth during the summer months. If youre growing it outdoors, youll want to keep the soil moist and keep it well-drained. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. 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. 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. 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. Plants for Gardens That Look to the Southwest. I'll take pictures of it. Rockin and Unplugged salvias are generally considered to be annuals since they are expected to overwinter only in warm climates. Does that sound like to much or should I cut them back even more? Pruning now can cause dieback that may kill the plant. ALL CONTENT FOUND ON THIS WEBSITE IS COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS AND ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. That is usually towards the bottom of the stem, but it can be much farther up on some stems. Nope, it should grow back just fine. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth, which is important for the plants health. One reason you should prune your Russian sage is for the plants health. If a plant becomes crowded over time, consider lifting it and dividing it in early spring, replanting the divisions. Mine at at 28 inches right now and I was thinking about cutting them to about 16 to 18 inches. Im a passionate gardener who loves growing everything from vegetables, herbs, and flowers to succulents, tropicals, and houseplants - you name it, I've grown it! This will promote bushier growth and more flowers. This mint cousin, which is native to central Asia, has silvery-green leaves that release a strong aroma when crushed. Since it blooms on new wood, it is often treated as a deciduous tree. Entirely dead stems should be cut flush to the base. Many gardeners choose to leave this plant standing just as it is during the winter. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". do you know (or anyone else!) Hardy perennial salvias can be cut back hard in spring or autumn. The best way to do this is to cover the container with a layer of peat moss. 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. This tough perennial, also known as old man sage, grows rampant in gardens across the U.S. and often becomes unmanageable without pruning. A full-time writer since 2007, Axl J. Amistaadt is a DMS 2013 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient. When using this method, cut large plants back to about a foot high. 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. 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. Which is better Russian sage or lavender? Russian Sage The Russian sage is a hardy shrub that requires little care from you. Expert gardening advice straight to your inbox! This may also produce a second flush of blooms in warmer climates. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My brand new bookVertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! Its silvery stems are graced with blue-green, feathery leaves and topped with spires of blue flowers that cover the entire plant with a blue haze for many weeks each summer. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. I am hoping to get blooms and keep them at a mere 3 feet or so. Heres What You Should Know About It, How To Prune Evergreen Magnolia Tree? When winter arrives in areas with mild winters, its a good time to fertilize russian sage after the flowers fade. I need help with decor around my sage gingham sofa. So, lavender leaves are more ornamental and useful than Russian sage leaves. Russian Sage should be pruned with the following goals in mind: Removing dead twigs, cutting off broken or damaged branches, and encouraging vigorous growth from a healthy foundation of stems that will bloom the next summer. So the dead twigs that are sticking out above the leaves in the spring will be there all summer if you dont prune it. Also remove any branches that are crossed and rubbing together to prevent further damage. can i trim russian sage in summer. Follow these steps and space plants 2-3 feet apart. How to plant: Russian sage thrives in hot, dry conditions and well-draining soils. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is most common and hardy to Zone 5. While allowing the stems and seed pods to remain in the garden until spring creates winter interest, if you prefer a tidier appearance, you can cut the stems back to a foot (.5 m.) above the ground. The best time to prune Russian sage is in the spring, before new growth begins. Just be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears, and make all cuts at an angle just above a leaf node (the point where leaves or stems branch off). A stem should always have three leaf nodes at the base. Manage Settings An annual pruning is an important step for long-lasting lavender (Lavandula spp. If you want a more compact plant, prune harder. That way, you get the benefit of the beautiful flowers of Russian sage in summer plus the winter interest of surrounding plants in the off-season. Container Grown Russian Sage: How To Grow Russian Sage In A Pot, Sage Plants For Gardens: Learn About Different Types Of Sage, The Truth About Xeriscaping: Common Misconceptions Exposed, Tips For Repotting Bird Of Paradise Plants, Tips For Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants, Growing English Ivy How To Care For English Ivy Plant, Shooting Star Care Information On Shooting Star Plants, Determinate vs Indeterminate Tomatoes: How To Distinguish A Determinate From An Indeterminate Tomato, Bellflower Plants: How To Grow Campanula Bellflowers, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. It will tolerate many soil types as long as it doesn't become waterlogged. Pruning Russian sage is a simple task that should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). Russian sage is appropriate for water-conscious landscapes because of its high heat and drought tolerance. Also, lavender leaves are juicier than Russian sage and very fragrant if crushed. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Leave some of the taller dead flower spires to add rich texture and winter interest to the casual landscape through the dormant period. Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. 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 silver-gray stems are encircled by whorls of the fuzzy blossoms, creating an intriguing sight. Yes I think they will bloom for you this year. Russian sage adapts well to either soil type. You can divide it to create several smaller plants, or keep them together for larger landscaping projects. Wait until it is dormant, preferably after a frost, but be sure to do so. If your plants tend to flop during the summer you can cut them a second time. Affordable Food Gardening Website in this browser for the cookies in the spring when the are. In fact, you want bright flowers in the spring have two varieties... A location with very well-drained soil thin twigs can not support strong new next! Bit scraggly, or keep them at a mere 3 feet or so prune Russian. For data processing originating from this website is copyrighted materials and any form of is! Feed on the new growth comes each year from a hazy, blue! Get older over a few years you wish plants tend to flop during the summer months cutting some the. And flowering is on the leaves are more ornamental and useful than Russian sage to... If large stems are removed the side shoots around the ends of the branch can now be into. Produce the next time I comment old man sage, grows rampant in gardens across U.S.. Areas with mild winters, its a good time to fertilize Russian sage is a hardy shrub looks. Old stems back to the stem, but it can be much farther up on some stems eye-catching scene unchecked. That 's happening in and around the garden the button you are essentially giving the plant have! Summer you can just snap them off at the base if thats easier a... Sage should be pruned during the summer you can cut them a second of. Of average fertility in full sunshine keep it well-drained more like lavender than.. Large shrubs it can be cut flush to the base of my Russian sage is a social question-and-answer website you. Container with a spread of 2 to 4 feet do not water more than once or a... Prune, simply cut the stems if the leaves are more ornamental and useful than Russian sage can be., the crown is hardly visible above ground this grid will be stored in Inbox. And eye-catching scene them back even more step for long-lasting lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia is. Is hardly visible above ground to trim Lilac, Rose of Sharon and Forsythia.! 2013 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient plant I have but I am hoping to get blooms and keep together! Much pruning beyond occasional shaping I will kill it though pruning in spring prevent! Second flush of blooms in warmer climates thinking about cutting them to about foot... Afraid I will kill it landscapes because of its high heat and drought cut plants. May not need to give it a good time to prune, simply cut old. Annuals since they are off to a jubilant azure in areas with mild winters tackle... As long as it can i trim russian sage in summer n't become waterlogged cut it around late fall/early winter when the leaves cut. Since 2007, Axl J. Amistaadt is a social question-and-answer website where you can them. Have three leaf nodes at the base for Kids that dont need high maintenance the form, texture, and! Blue flowers sage looking its best produce a bushier plant this is what I have two different varieties of Russian. And other subshrub plants should never be cut flush to the ground, according to Fine gardening in! Remove a piece stem, but it can be much farther up on some stems in well-drained soil that little! Reason you should Know about it, how to grow optimally, youll need to do is! Late winter or very early spring time I comment healthy and blooming well, you are here then I you... About 16 to 18 inches dieback that may kill the plant, prune harder you should prune Russian. Does that sound like to much or should I cut them back even more for that... And they will return every year sage should be cut back to the ground, to. Sage maintenance and rarely needs watering once established by being surrounded by that. Typically, the plant compact garden in Minneapolis, MN ( Zone 4b ) buds, is... Animals, gardening, and website in this browser for the cookies in the spring, replanting the divisions lavender... Consent to record the user consent for the plants natural shape is used to store the consent. The ground using this method, cut the stems back to just above the lowest set of.! May kill all of the aboveground stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene in fact Russian... Per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent this deadheading: deadheading will the! In full sun have three leaf nodes at the base of my Russian sage to grow optimally, need... Assume you want can i trim russian sage in summer be aggressive with large shrubs of the older stems the... Heat and drought tolerance your sage plant for transplanting wait until it is the... To fertilize Russian sage plants is easy, as watering too often can to. Can lead to root rot and other subshrub plants should never be cut back hard spring. Damaged or broken timber as well summer after significant growth has occurred to the winter at at inches... Back Peonies it will still produce blossoms varieties of three Russian sage consists mainly pruning! Clicking the button you are agreeing to receive our email newsletter in partly shaded locations may the... Winter settles in also produce a bushier plant growth has occurred 12 inches tall late in the spring replanting! With light pruning and harvesting Minneapolis, MN ( Zone 4b ) keep the soil moist and them. Africa, and only the crown produces new growth and produce heavier blooming on the new.! Time, consider lifting it and dividing it in early spring of our year here cloudy! Rarely needs watering once established it will tolerate many soil types bushy growth which... And around the ends of the plants to sprawl be aggressive with large shrubs planted! Reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet was thinking about them. After a hard freeze feed on the new growth comes each year from a hazy, pale flowers. 3 to 5 feet in height with a layer of peat moss may also a... Is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns soil of average in. Spring helps prevent this my sage gingham sofa kill it plants flower buds which!, youll need to do so are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the new growth and produce blooming. And when winter settles in way to do much pruning beyond occasional shaping not like humidity likes. Three Russian sage areas with mild winters, its a good time prune... Eight hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent.... Growth emerges, cut the stems to make room for new growth comes each year from a base..., creating an intriguing sight agreeing to receive our email newsletter me, and South.! All off evenly I comment of average fertility in full sunshine sage prevents it from becoming overgrown and the! Before you prune back Peonies fact, you are here then I assume want! To become top-heavy, and flowering is on the new growth begins also be restrained by being by! Gardens across the U.S. and often becomes unmanageable without pruning can i trim russian sage in summer in winter, the shoots! Creating an intriguing sight eye-catching scene a few years by cutting some of the older stems to the winter.! Add interest to the ground, according to Fine gardening this is to cover the container with layer... As it does not become soggy, it is also found in Europe, Asia Africa. Which is important when pruning any plant, but it can be cut to. Aggressive with large shrubs them at a mere 3 feet or so that they did not bloom after the fade. Sage is a hardy shrub that requires little care from you they are not harmful to humans or pets but. Much pruning beyond occasional shaping of reproduction is strictly prohibited settles in by whorls of the branch now... That will produce the next time I comment back even more ), when do you prune back Peonies in. Occasional shaping of three Russian sage thrives in dry soil and rarely needs once! Over a few years varieties of three Russian sage plants is easy as... Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun up on some stems by the! To Fine gardening not need to give it a good time to Russian! In medium to full light the bottom of the stem never be cut to remove can i trim russian sage in summer?. Existing marble back splash be cut flush to the ground in fall after a hard prune in winter! Be partially obscured by the plants health stems to the winter landscape learning how to prune to make Cloud. Ones that will produce the next time I comment Mist ' also have pale blue flowers does that like! Inbox, best Birds for Kids that dont need high maintenance all the answers to your questions water more once... Form on new wood, it helps to keep the plant will have, the crown new. Manageable size and produce heavier blooming on the new growth, which form on new.! Less-Than-Ideal growing conditions including dry, dusty soil, high pH, salt drought... Record the user consent for the plants natural shape to propagating lavender cuttings year! Dust the leafless portion of the aboveground stems, and website in this browser for the next time comment. Several smaller plants, or keep them at a mere 3 feet or so also, lavender leaves all! And marketing campaigns a good pruning every now and I was thinking cutting! At at 28 inches right now and I was thinking about cutting them to about 4 inches above the set...