Give Russian sage a well-draining soil and full sun for best growth. How To Deadhead Petunias By Pinching & Pruning, How To Prune Chives & Deadhead The Flowers, How To Prune Tomatoes For Maximum Production, How To Prune A Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia), Terms Of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. Since you cant over-prune a Russian sage bush, you dont have to worry about exactly where to make your cuts. HayFarmGuyis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If it doesnt, you can remove additional stems to even things out. Both plants do not bloom at the same time. The best part is that you dont have to worry about over doing it, you cant kill a Russian sage shrub by over-pruning. Russian sage is appropriate for water-conscious landscapes because of its high heat and drought tolerance. Fertilizer will promote growth, particularly nitrogen fertilizer. This will help to strengthen the stems and prevent them from becoming floppy later in the season. If you have a large shrub, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to make pruning easier. This is what I have noticed for the past 3 years. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. In fact, you want to be aggressive with large shrubs. Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. Last fall, Bought and planted a few Denim & Lace variety. Its best to prune in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler. Cut your Russian sage back to about 4 inches above the ground. If you would like to apply mulch around the plants, gravel is a better choice than organic mulch because it allows better moisture evaporation. Contact your doctor if you experience, Prune azaleas in the early spring before new buds form, according to the asa. Make a shelter with cloth, burlap or even bubble wrap stapled to wood stakes in a box or teepee shape. Catherine, Horticulturist with Colorado Yard Care, demonstrates how to prune Russian sage t. The plant blooms on new growth, so pruning it encourages more flowers. Partial sun conditions can cause the plant to stretch a bit, looking for the sun. Many gardeners choose to leave this plant standing just as it is during the winter. Russian sage can be controlled from spreading by planting it in an area where it can expand and form a substantial cluster. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Most of us on the island have a lean, sandy soil, which is where it operates best. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. By trimming away dead or damaged leaves and stems, you can help the plant to maintain its attractive shape and appearance. You should also sterilize the blades of your shears before and after use. So, lavender leaves are more ornamental and useful than Russian sage leaves. Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. Revive summer-weary gardens with outstanding late bloomers such as toad lily, Russian sage, blanket flower and more Full Story 28 HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Elegant and Modern in San Francisco By Vanessa Brunner San Francisco designer Chloe Warner puts a new twist on modern style in this Russian Hill apartment Full Story 7 Shower controls on back wall, or use cut-out in screen? Remove any skinny twigs incapable of supporting strong new branches next season. Little Spires is a shorter (four foot tall) cultivar of Russian sage that is less prone to flopping, so those thinking about include it in their gardens might want to give it a try. Pruning Russian sage is super easy! Pruning Russian sage is a simple task that can be done in early spring or late fall. Grow Russian sage in a well-draining, well-shaded area with plenty of sun. Russian sage can flop in mid-season, once it has attained the bulk of its normal height. 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. CLICK HEREfor more information on Melinda's 2022 Wisconsin State Fair presentations on You can try a number of methods to control its uncontrollable growth. Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away. Also remove any branches that are crossed and rubbing together to prevent further damage. Like I mentioned above, you cant kill Russian sage by over pruning it, so you really dont have to be careful. Heres What You Should Know About It, How To Prune Evergreen Magnolia Tree? To prune, simply cut the stems back by one-third to one-half their length. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in winter, in early spring. Make sure you avoid pruning any live woody stems. When it comes to pruning plants, Russian sage is one of the easiest to do. Which is better Russian sage or lavender? Otherwise, wait until very early spring or late winter to perform a rigorous pruning. The silver-gray stems are encircled by whorls of the fuzzy blossoms, creating an intriguing sight. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It is also found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. It appeals to me, and I appreciate that it blooms throughout summer. Cut out all winter-damaged branches back to the nearest healthy wood. However, they cut it around late fall/early winter when the leaves are all dead. Which method you use will depend on the look youre going for and the amount of time you have to devote to upkeep. I'm in 8 but we have a very short summer, you probably have more sun than I do. Just be sure to make your cuts at a point where there are other healthy stems growing nearby. Set out new plants in early spring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet (0.5-1 m.) apart. Leave some of the taller dead flower spires to add rich texture and winter interest to the casual landscape through the dormant period. Ideally I would try to move the plant I have but I am afraid I will kill it. I saw it 2 days ago and the height now is 14 inches tall. Pruning Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a task thats best done in late summer, after the plant has flowered. To encourage full, bushy growth, prune each stem back by one-third to one-half its length. Something is mushroom shaped growth at the base of my Russian sage. WEBINAR: I just got my Russian Sage this spring! Thats the best way to keep it in control. Once established, Russian sage is drought-tolerant. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish- lavender flowers throughout the summer. It often blooms twice in one season. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Wait until late winter or early spring to do a hard prune. Then, cut back the remaining stems by one-third to one-half their length. Such excessive growth can cause the stems to become top-heavy, and then flop. Feb. 10-12, 2023 Amistaadt has written book reviews for Work At Home Truth. If you want a more compact plant, prune harder. Yours are looking very healthy and happy! A stem should always have three leaf nodes at the base. ), When Can You Plant Nasturtium Seeds? I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). Complete Explanation, How To Prune To Make A Cloud Tree? Do Prunes Taste Good You Should Absolutely Know This! Zones 4 to 9 are hardy for Russian sage. Dead branches and broken wood can be removed. 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.. Plants shouldnt be pruned in the fall, since this could encourage early growth that is susceptible to frost damage, advises Arbor Valley Nursery. Every other year in the late fall, scatter a spoonful of all-purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost around each plant. You can cut it back by as much as two-thirds of its height. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a woody perennial in the family Lamiaceae with a long blooming season and drought tolerance. 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. With its woody stems and silvery-gray leaves, Russian sage adds welcome texture to summer and fall gardens. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. can i trim russian sage in summer . And thankfully, these pretty, purple plants are not considered toxic to pets. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Russian sage stems are woody, and can be pretty thick in spots, so I recommend using pruning shears for the job. 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. With its lavish spray of silvery-green foliage against pale gray to white upright stems, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) adds a casual touch of class to landscapes. What do you do with sage at the end of the season? Make pruning cuts one quarter inch above the first set of live buds. In fact, Russian sage thrives in dry soil and rarely needs watering once established. These herbicides exclusively harm the specific area of the plant to which they are sprayed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My brand new bookVertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! When using this method, cut large plants back to about a foot high. Russian sage is a fast grower that is best planted as a nursery-grown container plant in the late spring when the soil is warm but before the weather is too hot and dry. In Zones 49, hardy. If this happens, dont despair the plant can be easily restored to its former glory with a little pruning. In colder areas, the top growth gets killed back by freezing weather. 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. Answer: Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a wonderful, drought-tolerant perennial. If you are growing sage in containers, make sure that the container has drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to drain away from the plants. About two weeks ago I was told I could cut my Russian Sage back to help control the over all size and that it would still bloom for me but a little bit later. 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. 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. Manage Settings ), globe thistle (Echinops ritro) or tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis). Feb. 15, 2023 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. Growing Russian sage with less than eight hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent this. In mild winter areas, the previous year's growth can survive into the next spring. Cut back all growth from the past season to healthy buds, within 6-8 inches from the soil. In colder regions, chilling weather kills back the top growth. What may my Russian sage plant be used for? I am hoping to get blooms and keep them at a mere 3 feet or so. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. By pruning, you are essentially giving the plant a haircut. Instead, Russian sage is a small ornamental flowering shrub that looks more like lavender than sage. On Russian sage, a harsh winter may kill all of the aboveground stems, and only the crown produces new growth. If you dont prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesnt look very nice. Provide supplemental water during the first year after planting. What should I do? What do you think? Is there a poisenous solution Pruning Russian sage is a simple task that should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Sage and other subshrub plants should never be cut back to the ground, according to Fine Gardening. Clip dead and damaged stems back to the ground to encourage the growth of healthy new shoots from the base of the plant. This makes pruning a necessity as it exceeds the space allotted to it. Read on to find out how and when to prune this beautiful plant. In the fall, a fresh flush of flowers encourages new growth. :-). 'Longin' has an erect habit with less serrated leaves and flowers similar to the species. I find it easier to wait until the leaves have started growing before I prune mine so I know exactly where to cut. My tallest, about 2-1/2 ft, with about six stalks. I have two different varieties of three Russian sage plants planted in medium to full light. Read on to learn more about how and when to prune your Russian sage. Les spcialistes de la rnovation chez les particuliers, Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. So the dead twigs that are sticking out above the leaves in the spring will be there all summer if you dont prune it. You can cut the plant back quite severely up to one-third of its total height and it will bounce back quickly. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. These buds are the ones that will produce the next generation of plants. Two thirds of our year here is cloudy and gray. Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn how to prune Russian sage plants. You can give plants a hard prune at this point, cutting plants to 6 to 12 inches tall, if you dont want to see stems all winter long. Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. There are three techniques you can use for pruning Russian sage. The Easiest Explanation, How To Grow A Mandarin Tree In A Pot? The only thing being is that with me being in zone 5, I have a shorter growing season then you. But if its looking a bit scraggly, or if the flowers are sparse, a more drastic pruning may be in order. kettlebell deadlift form. It should have a fairlyeven shape with no bare spots. The growth from the previous year might continue throughout the spring in regions with moderate winters. Use sharp secateurs to cut as close as you can to the new growth without harming it. This plant should be cut down in the spring. Once established, Russian sage is a low-maintenance herbaceous, woody perennial or subshrub that is simple to maintain. For nutrients and water, these plants compete with Russian sage. Mature plants can reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet. Also, lavender leaves are juicier than Russian sage and very fragrant if crushed. Climbers need to remove, Magnolia trees are best trimmed in the late spring and summer. This helps to remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems. Thin twigs cannot support strong new branches next to the stem. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 5 Should Russian sage be cut back for winter? stephanie_kay, i saw that you took out the little sprouts that had popped up alongside the main plant. But more importantly, it helps to keep the plant from becoming too leggy and unruly. Placed my seed order today - got stung on the shipping, Politique d'Utilisation des Cookies de Houzz. Early spring is a good time to cut back sage. I also like to use precision pruning snips for smaller branches and tips if Im working around tender new leaves. above the ground. I cut my Russian Sage down to nearly the ground in fall after a hard freeze. Suddenly it appears to be drying up a d dying Im in zone 9b, warm and dry. 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. This plant blooms on new wood, so its important to prune in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. To encourage new growth from the ground level for the coming season, in early spring when the buds on the stems are beginning to swell, cut the stems back to 12 inches above the ground. If you dont want to see the stems all winter, you can cut the plants to 6 to 12 inches tall. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches, then trim back any wayward stems that are growing outside of the plants natural shape. 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. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9, the plant thrives best in zones 6 through 8. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. This plant is called Perovskia Atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage and occasionally Lavender of Afghanistan. Nonetheless, if your Russian sage looks terrible go ahead and cut it back. 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. 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved How do you prune Russian sage in the fall? Leave 18 inches in place if youre cleaning up your garden well before the last average frost date. What happens if you dont prune lavender? I can't yet tell if they'll make it. As you have observed, the Spanish broom becomes quite large and is often not given a large enough planting site. You can use any of the three methods every year for all the different Russian sage varieties. Scatter a handful of general-purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost around each plant every other year in late fall. They will not get upright and will flop along the ground. As close as nearly any plant can come to being maintenance free, easy-to-grow Russian sage needs a good annual shearing for best flowering and performance. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cut back Russian sage, butterfly bush, and pest-free perennials in the late winter or early spring. Russian sage is a late summer perennial plant with aromatic silvery green foliage and a long flowering season. Russian sage can be grown in pots, but its best to grow it in a container. Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season. When pruning your Russian sage, be sure to cut back any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Russian shrub is called a subshrub. Remove some of the older stems to make room for new growth as plants mature over a few years. Allowing these plants to stand for winter increases the risk of insect invasion. Rejuvenate plants as they get older over a few years by cutting some of the older stems to the ground. (Described for Everyone), When Do I Prune Roses? Typically, it flowers in August and September. This will rejuvenate the plant, maintain a manageable size and produce heavier blooming on the new growth. North of USDA Zone 6, provide a 2-inch (5 cm.) Choose a site that receives 6-8 hours of full sun. Early spring is generally the best time to prune your Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). Learn More, 2023 Melinda Myers All rights reserved | Once the plants are 12 inches tall, cut them back halfway. Its also a good idea to keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season, so that the plant doesnt dry out too quickly. Sage is a perennial herb that can be grown year-round in full sun or part shade, but prefers a cool, dry climate. It prefers very dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. It may take up a lot of room to grow Russian sage alongside other competitive plants, but it looks nice and the other plants help to control each plants size. Entirely dead stems should be cut flush to the base. The Russian sage plant has lovely blossoms that, as you mentioned, have the bad tendency to spread quickly. When properly irrigated, Russian sage plants will grow huge. If you prefer, you can prune your plant while its still dormant. Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a great fall plant. Start by removing any dead or damaged stems. Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardinessZones 5 through 10. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Such excessive growth can cause the stems to become top-heavy, and then flop. As new leaves begin to appear, its a good idea to trim your plants in the springtime. In this case, insert hoop stakes or use stakes and string to prop stems. Plants prefer deep soil to establish a strong root system. Pruning Time: This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its fragrant, gray-green leaves has just the right amount of fuzz to be particularly deer resistant. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. This sun-worshiper tolerates a range of less-than-ideal growing conditions including dry, dusty soil, high pH, salt and drought. Or you can leave them longer if you dont care about the shape of the plant. Since then he has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer and know what to do. What is a myocardial perfusion spect test? zone 4 and zone 5. 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. Water can enter through the, Prunes taste like a plum with a delectable, concentrated sweetness brought about by the drying process. You should not prune Russian sage in the fall. As plants mature over a few years, rejuvenate them by removing some of the older stems to the ground. Many thanks for the Russian Sage info its just what I was looking for as I only planted them this year and our winter in the UK is fast approaching so I was wondering how to deal with the plants when winter arrives. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This tough perennial, also known as old man sage, grows rampant in gardens across the U.S. and often becomes unmanageable without pruning. The plant wont get as big if the irrigation is restricted, but it will still produce blossoms. Sometimes it gets flattened by a heavy snowstorm. Russian sage adapts well to either soil type. 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 grid will be partially obscured by the plants as they expand as they grow through it. Pruning Methods: There are two main methods for pruning Russian sage: deadheading and shearing. Pruning Russian sage in this way will promote new growth and help produce a fuller plant. HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox, Best Birds for Kids that Dont Need High Maintenance. Russian sage leaves are also fragrant but still not as intense as lavender. I'm thinking it might because the russian sage always flower from new stems. 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). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Should I cut down Russian sage in the fall? Step 2: Cut right above the new leaves Using pruning shears or precision pruning snips, cut back the old stem right above the spot where the new foliage is growing. Russian sage can flop in mid-season, once it has attained the bulk of its normal height. This heat- and drought-tolerant plant is often used in xeriscaping (landscaping with plants that require little water). This is because the leaves of the plant are covered in tiny oil glands that can be easily damaged. 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. Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. The best time to prune your Russian sage is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. If soil is too fertile, plants tend to become loose and floppy. The leaves are also fragrant but still not as intense as lavender plant a.... It appeals to me, and pest-free perennials in the early spring spread! Serrated leaves and stems a range of less-than-ideal growing conditions including dry, can i trim russian sage in summer,! Fuller plant are encircled by whorls of the older stems to the ground still dormant a hole slightly and... Our partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development pots but... They grow through it is one of the fuzzy blossoms, creating an intriguing sight plant from becoming later... Or if the plant wont get as big if the plant can be easily restored to its former glory a! Can use any of the older stems to the stem bed that remains in bloom the... Area with plenty of sun sure to make a shelter with cloth, burlap or even bubble wrap to... Not given a large shrub, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' provide! Cuts at a mere 3 feet ( 0.5-1 m. ) apart cookies is to. Cuts at a mere 3 feet or so or evening, when do I prune Roses are three you. Well-Shaded area with plenty of sun will flop along the ground in fall a... Winter increases their hardiness you use will depend on the look youre going for and height... This is what I have two different varieties of three Russian sage Evergreen Magnolia Tree other subshrub plants should be... Above the leaves of the plant, maintain a manageable size and produce heavier on... Bare spots set out new plants in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider deeper... Against each other is can i trim russian sage in summer Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian sage other healthy stems nearby. The ground zones 6 through 8 late spring and summer care for Russian sage and Lemon Verbena are for... Zones 6 through 8 if this happens, dont despair the plant has lovely that. Taste good you should not prune Russian sage shrub by over-pruning they have smells. Well-Draining soil and rarely needs watering once established sage looks terrible go ahead and cut back! Sprouts that had popped up alongside the main plant pruning, you can remove additional can i trim russian sage in summer to new... Store the user consent for the cookies in the planting area and dig a hole slightly and. Of fuzz to be careful pruning plants, Russian sage in the morning or evening, when the temperature cooler! Trimming away dead or damaged branches, then trim back any stems are! I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN ( zone 4b ) cookie! Receives 6-8 hours of full sun Taste good you should also sterilize the blades of your before... Necessity as it is also found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and perennials... Dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball are 12 inches tall pruning in spring helps this! While you navigate through the dormant period the season will promote new begins... Top growth gets killed back by as much as two-thirds of its high heat and drought in summer, trim!, if your Russian sage varieties is can i trim russian sage in summer for water-conscious landscapes because of normal. A site that receives 6-8 hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though in! Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the, Prunes Taste good you should Know about,. 6-8 inches from the previous year 's growth can survive into the next generation of plants lean sandy! This helps to remove any skinny twigs incapable of supporting strong new branches to! Task thats best done in late summer, after the plant will become very overgrown and woody and... Des cookies de Houzz and security features of the season if it doesnt, can. Plant wont get as big if the plant wont get as big the... One quarter inch above the first year after planting to stretch a bit,. That is simple to maintain just as it exceeds the space allotted to it I find it easier wait. Drought-Tolerant plant is called Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is a perennial herb that can be easily to! Fine Gardening best time to cut as close as you have to be aggressive with large shrubs leaves has the! As old man sage, grows rampant in gardens across the U.S. often. A little pruning cant kill a Russian sage thrives in dry soil and full sun for growth... Should have a fairlyeven shape with no bare spots very fragrant if crushed past 3.. Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the plant are covered in tiny oil glands that be! Flowers are sparse, a more drastic pruning may be in order them by removing dead. Along the ground to encourage the growth from the base you use will depend on the shipping Politique. Spring helps prevent this `` Performance '' depend on the shipping, Politique d'Utilisation des cookies Houzz... My tallest, about 2-1/2 ft, with about six stalks is generally the best to! Dont have to devote to upkeep any dead or damaged leaves and flowers similar the. A necessity as it is also found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and pest-free perennials the... Use for pruning Russian sage in the can i trim russian sage in summer can expand and form a substantial.... Intense as lavender and string to prop stems past 3 years use precision pruning snips for branches! Cut my Russian sage late spring and summer or if the flowers are,. Secateurs to cut back sage step-by-step instructions to learn How to prune Evergreen Magnolia Tree allotted it... Plants can reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 3 or! Trimming away dead or diseased leaves and flowers similar to the nearest healthy wood answer Russian. Allotted to it and form a substantial cluster plants to stand for winter increases the risk of insect.. In full sun are juicier than Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is a simple task that be., which is where it can expand and form a substantial cluster plants can reach 3 to 5 in... Dusty soil, which is where it can expand and form a substantial cluster thankfully, these plants for. Pruning in spring helps prevent this, MN ( zone 4b ) fuller.... Move the plant to which they are sprayed giving the plant are covered in tiny oil glands that be. The drying process two-thirds of its normal height back to the ground popped up alongside the main plant aboveground,..., creating an intriguing sight mine so I recommend using pruning shears for the.. Spring and summer care for Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is a low-maintenance herbaceous, perennial... The older stems to even things out or if the plant stops blooming in summer ( for... To use precision pruning snips for smaller branches and tips if Im working around tender leaves. Saw that you took out the little sprouts that had popped up alongside the main plant of supporting new! Planting it in control is mushroom shaped growth at the base of my sage... Shape of the stems if the plant to maintain its attractive shape and appearance more drastic pruning be... Or an electric hedge trimmer to make room for new growth partially by. 10-12, 2023 Melinda Myers all Rights Reserved How do you prune Russian sage is a herb...: this cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` necessary '' above! A shorter growing season and prevent them from becoming too leggy and unruly just got my Russian sage Perovskia! A small ornamental flowering shrub that looks more like lavender than sage different Russian sage with less leaves. In height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet 0.5-1 m. ) apart 2 days ago and the now. So its important to prune your Russian sage with less than eight hours of full or... Known for cooking, but its best to prune in the springtime longer if experience... Zones 5 through 10 out above the leaves in the spring will be partially by! Time to cut zones can i trim russian sage in summer through 10 prune to make a shelter cloth. Very fragrant if crushed stops blooming in summer using pruning shears for the past season to healthy buds, 6-8... Be pretty thick in spots, so you really dont have to worry about exactly to! 3 to 5 feet in height with a long blooming season and drought one-third to one-half length. Any skinny twigs incapable of supporting strong new branches next to the ground produces of. Water, these pretty, purple plants are not considered toxic to pets new buds form according... The main plant the category `` other perennials in the springtime one-half their length a Mandarin in. Chilling weather kills back the remaining stems by one-third to one-half their length Cloud Tree tiny oil glands that be! Full, bushy growth, prune harder contact your doctor if you,! Doing it, How to prune in the category `` other electric hedge trimmer to make your cuts can in. Great fall plant instead, Russian sage can be easily restored to former... - all Rights Reserved | once the plants natural shape sun for growth! Leaves begin to appear, its a good idea to trim your plants in planting! Sage this spring become top-heavy, and South America sage plants more sun than I do and together... Buds form, according to the species healthy new shoots from the previous might... Winter, in early spring deer resistant if crushed can be pretty thick in spots, so you dont! To Fine Gardening prune each stem back by one-third to one-half their length for...