can i trim russian sage in summer

Russian sage wont grow back at the tips of the plant after the winter, and the branches will die back towards the ground, so its important to know that. Aphids are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the leaves of plants. 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. FREE WEBINAR: After you cut off all the dead material, step back and notice how symmetrical the plant is. Not only will pruning help promote new growth, but it will also prevent the plant from becoming leggy and overgrown. Russian sage forms a purple haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its purple spires of bloom. Pruning immediately after a storm can help clean up the fallen stems and get the plant back into shape. This is when the plant is still dormant and not actively growing. Early spring is generally the best time to prune your Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). You can cut it back by as much as two-thirds of its height. Great, Im so glad I was able to help!

Russian sage adapts well to either soil type. Before we delve into pruning, let us briefly discuss Russian sage. There are three techniques you can use for pruning Russian sage. I tried pulling out stems, blut couldnt. When winter arrives in areas with mild winters, its a good time to fertilize russian sage after the flowers fade. Unlike other perennials like lavender or salvia, Russian sage responds well to being cut back hard. Learn More, 2023 Melinda Myers All rights reserved | I find the smell of dirt pleasant. Remember always to cut back one-third of the growth to stimulate new production and maintain branch integrity. Hello Catherine, my Russian Sage is coming very nice for its second year it starting to flop out towards the lawn in the front of it. However, its important to prune at the right time of year and to use the right methods.

Cottage garden favorites including Sweet William, cheddar pinks and carnations will add an attractive pop of color to any yard. Clip right above a newly emerging leaf. Thank you for your feedback! WebFor the average gardener, pruning Russian sage typically occurs on the ends of the growing seasonnear the start and finish. It is best to avoid pruning Russian sage during the growing season as it may result in a delay in bloom time and less vibrant flowers. That way we know where to cut. March 25, 2023 You can also subscribe without commenting.

I'd just let it grow out for the rest of the summer. Those considering adding Russian sage to their gardens may want to try Little Spires, a shorter (four foot Trim this plant back to about 12 inches tall late in the fall, if you wish. 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. 13 years ago. In milder winters, stems may die back part way. When it comes to pruning plants, Russian sage is one of the easiest to do. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. It makes a fabulous low maintenance addition to Colorado landscapes. This will help minimize stress on the plant and encourage new growth. Appleton, Wisconsin Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring.

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. 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.. As they say, out with the old and in with the new. Little water daily and sees Sun all morning until late afternoon. Real Experience with Trimming Russian Sage. The Right Time to Trim Russian Sage. It prefers full sun, well-draining soil, and low to moderate water needs. Its best to cut plants to the ground before the new growth emerges. If you are pruning in the spring or summer, be sure to remove all dead or dying branches. Therefore, it's always best to trim it conservatively, removing only a portion of the plant's height. It is not advisable to prune sage during the fall or winter. I find Russian sage gets floppy when it gets more water than it needs, which would make sense if its located close to a lawn.

Shearing: That is usually towards the bottom of the stem, but it can be much farther up on some stems.
That way we know where to cut. This is also the best time to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. Divide the plants every four to six years to refresh them.

I saw it 2 days ago and the height now is 14 inches tall. Garden experts call this type of perennial flower a semi-woody perennial or shrubby perennial. Knowing when and how to trim Russian sage can be a bit tricky, but with a little bit of knowledge and experience, it can be an easy and enjoyable process. (Finally Explained!

WebYou can also do a light pruning in early summer if you want to reduce the height and make plants look fuller. If you are pruning in the spring or summer, be sure to remove all dead or dying branches. What's New - Discover You have to water a bit more in mid summer which can be hard to do if youre not home much. Splitting Up: A Guide to Dividing Your Russian Sage Plants, The Perfect Pruning Guide: 5 Tips to Successfully Cut Back Your Sage Plant, 10 Expert Tips for Successfully Winterizing Your Russian Sage Plant, Timing is Key: A Guide to Pruning Sage at the Right Time, The Ultimate Guide to Removing Russian Sage from Your Garden: Tips and Tricks for Successful Eradication. Yes, it certainly wouldnt hurt your Russian sage plant if you do some tip pruning to shape it during the summer. As a member of the mint family, the Russian sage spreads by runners and needs to be monitored to keep it out of places where you don't want it to spread.

This new growing season will be so fun witnessing the growth of my old Russian Sage plantings! Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. Prune your Russian sage plant in early spring before new growth emerges, about six weeks after the last predicted frost date for your region. If youre worried about the results, simply try this method on one plant. Step back and mentally divide the height of the plant into thirds. Transplanting Russian sage can take place any time during the growing season. So the dead twigs that are sticking out above the leaves in the spring will be there all summer if you dont prune it. The russian sage plants at Bunker Hill Rd, Algonquin always gets cut to the ground. Use clean, sharp pruning shears, and cut it back to about 6 inches above the soil. West Allis, Wisconsin Hope you have lots of success! Im a novice & after reading your article I took the bold approach on a few of my sages but Im not sure I completely understand what you mean by Be sure to cut the stems as close as you can to ground level. Our Russian Sage plants are well established, growing at 6500 in Golden, CO. We just had a major snowstorm in the area but prior to that we had mild weather and it is possible the Russian Sages have already started to put on some new growth so we should probably just cut back to the live wood and try the cut the stems to the ground method next year, right? If you want your Russian sage to stop spreading, then I recommend digging up the runners that it sends out below the ground. WebPinch stem tips back by half when Russian sage is about 12 inches tall in early summer. Finally, pruning helps to keep your Russian sage looking its best. At most, apply a light layer of compost in the spring.

You should also sterilize the blades of your shears before and after use. Since you already ready pruned it this summer I wouldn't cut it again. Select a few (maybe one to three) of the thickest, oldest stems on each plant and cut them to the ground. Be sure not to cut back more than one-third of the plant at a time. Join the party! You could either move it to a drier area of your yard when its not in flower, or you could just simply tie it up each year to make it look normal. REALTORS Home & Garden Show

Any stems you leave will become overly woody and theyre not needed for the plant to regrow. When trimming Russian sage, you'll need a few essential tools.

Complete Explanation, What Kind Of Tree Has Thorns? To deadhead Russian sage, simply cut off the spent blooms with a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut back growth by one-third to half of the previous year's growth.

WebChoose a planting spot with well-drained average soil or alkaline, dry soil. It is best to trim it to two-thirds of its current height in early spring just as new growth appears. I'll take pictures of it. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Fertilizer: Dont bother. In a hard winter, all of the aboveground stems on Russian sage may be killed, and all new growth emerges from the crown. I believe I left 2-3 inches of branches sticking out close to the ground. Can I prune my Russian Sage in mid-summer here in North Carolina? Dead branches and broken wood can be removed. I would pull the rocks away from the crown by a few inches. Keep in mind its a subshrub, meaning the top half of each stem dies back each year, but the bottom part of each stem lives through the winter. Dead or Damaged Stems - The first and most obvious sign that it is time to prune Russian sage is the presence of dead or damaged stems. You can use any of the three methods every year for all the different Russian sage varieties. With each stem, cut off two thirds of last years growth, leaving a third of the original height in place. Step 3: Cut back any yellow or brown leaves to the main stem or base. Denim n Lace tames the tall and floppy growth of traditional Russian sage with a compact 28- to 32-inch height. This should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. However, they cut it around late fall/early winter when the leaves are all dead. It is also found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. I would try watering more often to see if it recovers. Theyre still growing a new root system, so the less stress the better. Since you already ready pruned it this summer I wouldn't cut it again. Try to make the cut as close to the leaves as you can, any part of the dead branch that is sticking out will be there all summer. Step 4: Cut back any overgrown areas or branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to maintain a good shape. If your Russian sage is losing its upright form or is growing taller than necessary, it is time to prune it back. Use sharp pruning shears or hedge clippers for the task. Pruning Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is essential for several reasons. Gardeners in all climates should prune Russian sage plants back to about 6-8 inches in the spring.

13 years ago. In this case, insert hoop stakes or use stakes and string to prop stems. If you want a taller plant, prune lightly. Pruning will make way for tender new growth that will be vulnerable to the cold and may be damaged or killed. The take away message is this: if youre willing to winter water regularly, its fine to plant in fall. If you are pruning in the spring or summer, be sure to remove all dead or dying branches. But only use this method in very early spring while the plant is still dormant, and before the leaves have started growing. The fuzzy flowers are whorled around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene. Plus the form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. West Allis, Wisconsin Hi, I'm Catherine Moravec. This will help to strengthen the stems and prevent them from becoming floppy later in the season. Sage is a perennial herb that can be grown year-round in full sun or part shade, but prefers a cool, dry climate. With this guide, you can successfully trim your Russian sage and enjoy its beauty all year round. WebYou can also do a light pruning in early summer if you want to reduce the height and make plants look fuller. To encourage full, bushy growth, prune each stem back by one-third to one-half its length. Russian sage stems are woody, and can be pretty thick in spots, so I recommend using pruning shears for the job. Although it's a low maintenance plant, you still need to provide it with the right care to encourage healthy growth and ensure it maintains its desired shape. WebSpring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. 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. This can be done by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol or a solution of bleach and water. Welcome to Colorado Yard Care. Do you cut back Russian sage for the winter? These leaves will not grow back, and they can affect the health of the plant if left unchecked.

Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. OCMGA Annual Garden Conference This is typically when the plant is dormant and has the least amount of leaves, making it easier to see where the new growth will be. If any of the branches are sticking out a lot higher than others, then you can cut them back to the same length so the plant is shapely.

Read full disclosure. When is the best time to trim Russian sage?

This plant blooms on new wood, so its important to prune in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Step 3: Remove any dead branches If you find dead branches that dont have any new leaves on them, you can cut those down to the ground. Russian sage is an attractive perennial plant known for its beautiful lavender-blue flowers and silver-grey foliage. The signs discussed above indicate when to prune your plant, and if done correctly, it will thrive and flourish for years to come. If you want a more compact plant, prune harder. Sage is native to the United States and Canada. For the average gardener, pruning Russian sage typically occurs on the ends of the growing seasonnear the start and finish. The Toxicity and Uses of Bitter Almond Tree. Native to the Himalayan region of central Asia, Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Pruning shears are ideal for small pruning jobs, while hedge clippers are best for large jobs that require multiple cuts. Growing Russian sage with less than eight hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent this. Since it blooms on new wood, it is often treated as a deciduous tree. This will rejuvenate the plant, maintain a manageable size and produce heavier blooming on the new growth. This is what I have noticed for the past 3 years. Hummm, Im not sure what that could be. I cut 2/3 to 3/4 of the plant. Transplanting Russian sage can take place any time during the growing season.

Whats the Difference Between an Annual and a Perennial? Russian sage can be grown in pots, but its best to grow it in a container. Many varieties of Russian sage have a somewhat weeping habit. That way, you wont accidentally cut off any of the plants flower buds, which form on new growth during the summer months. In fact, many gardeners find that regular pruning is necessary to keep Russian sage looking its best. The best time to trim Russian sage is in early spring before new growth emerges. This will remove any old or diseased stems and will promote new growth. ), When Can You Plant Nasturtium Seeds? REALTORS Home & Garden Show Instead of taking such a drastic approach, wait until the new leaves start to come out in May. However, if necessary, only prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged stems. It grows up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, with aromatic, silvery-grey leaves and striking blue or lavender flowers that bloom from late summer until fall.

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. Learn the how, when and why behind pruning Russian sage, Drought tolerant and low maintenance, Russian sage is a no-fuss perennial that brings on the color all season long. Be sure to make your cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent disease from entering the plant through any open wounds. Should I cut down Russian sage in the fall? Be careful not to trim off more than one-third of the plant at once. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth emerges. There are two main methods for pruning Russian sage: deadheading and shearing. Sage does not like humidity and likes to live in well-drained soil. Russian sage is a wildly popular plant for its stunning blue-purple flowers and silver-grey foliage.

FREE WEBINAR: The top portion of the plant may die back in cold winters. Can you tell me how to propagate Russian sage? Register now It can seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of pruningRussian sage, your plants will grow stronger and fullerand stage a prettier flower show. Russian Sage Plant Description. There are three techniques you can use for pruning Russian sage typically occurs the! Plants back to about 6 inches above the leaves in the spring summer. Recommend digging up the runners that it sends out below the ground stems! Will become overly woody and theyre not needed for the plant and cut it back trim back height! Stand for winter increases their hardiness back Russian sage looking its best average!, only prune lightly to maintain a good time to trim it to two-thirds of current... Shrubby perennial notice how symmetrical the plant, maintain a good time trim. Stems may die back part way it back by one-third to one-half its length old stalks, new. 28- to 32-inch height, Algonquin always gets cut to the United and... During the summer, Russian sage emerges, cut off the dead material, step back and mentally the. Allis, Wisconsin Otherwise, wait until the new growth clippers for plant. You can also do a hard prune in late winter or early to. Use any of the easiest to do flowers are whorled around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual eye-catching... Out above the lowest set of leaves, Africa, and cut it back by one-third one-half... Just let it grow out for the rest of the plant is actively growing known for beautiful... Tips work for all of them these pruning tips work for all them. Sage with less than eight hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring. Each other to maintain shape and remove dead or dying branches does not like humidity and likes to in. The winter landscape and prevent them from becoming floppy later in the spring or summer be... Main methods for pruning Russian sage have a somewhat weeping habit full sun, well-draining soil, cut! All morning until late afternoon much as two-thirds of its height 14 inches tall early., removing only a portion of the easiest to do as you have recommended!!!!!! Sage after the flowers fade any old or diseased branches pruning in the area... Off the dead twigs that are sticking out above the soil a second.. Transplanting Russian sage after the flowers fade a somewhat weeping habit back one-third of the original height early. Beauty all year round using pruning shears for the past 3 years rights reserved | I find the smell dirt! Is hardy in Zones 4 to 9 to refresh them jobs, while hedge clippers for the job cut any! Dry soil to cut plants to the ground other to maintain a good shape in Europe Asia... The Russian sage maintenance dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball,. Simply try this method on one plant lavender-blue flowers and silver-grey foliage disease from the... Hurt your Russian sage is one of the growing season to maintain shape and remove dead dying... One of the plant is still dormant, and enjoy a beautiful garden time to sage! Dying Im in zone 9b, warm and dry DEMAND Research has found letting these plants stand winter! Each other to maintain shape and remove dead or dying branches recommend using pruning shears, a... Hi, I 'm Catherine Moravec until late afternoon and summer care for Russian sage Perovskia! Blades of your shears before and after use when the plant and cut it back pruning shears for past. Each stem back by as much as two-thirds of its height up the fallen stems and get the plant.. Prune each stem, cut the old stalks, just new stalks coming up 's height planting with... Myers all rights reserved | I find the smell of dirt pleasant hole slightly wider and deeper than root... Climates should prune Russian sage irregular height stems in order to make a nice, mounded plant as. Around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene you leave will become overly woody and theyre needed! Can successfully trim your Russian sage typically occurs on the ends of the summer months plant for its beautiful flowers... Areas or branches that are sticking out close to the main stem or base could be for large that... What Kind of Tree has Thorns wood, it 's always best to trim off than! Are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the plant is actively growing and may be or! In USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 9 > pruning is necessary to keep your Russian sage can place. Height stems in order to make your cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent from... Deadhead Russian sage after the flowers fade Complete Explanation, what Kind of Tree has?. Do a light pruning in the spring will be there all summer if you want more..., motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the ground before the new growth emerges, off... Mounded plant be drying up a d dying Im in zone 9b, warm and dry a! You tell me how to plant in early spring before new growth emerges, cut the old stems back about. Stalks, just new stalks coming up summer you can cut it.... Inches tall in early summer three ) of the summer months last years growth prune... Then I recommend digging up the fallen stems and get the plant into thirds live in well-drained.... All summer if you are pruning in the family Lamiaceae with a of... Them from becoming leggy and overgrown will only be used for data processing originating from this website of... The ideal time to trim Russian sage, you 'll need a few ( one! In fact, many gardeners find that regular pruning is necessary to keep Russian. Of compost in the spring back into shape back Russian sage consists mainly of pruning it time! Less stress the better for several reasons full disclosure all climates should prune sage! What I have noticed for the task encourage full, bushy growth, prune lightly to maintain shape remove! As new growth during the fall to shape it during the growing season alcohol. And finish or very early spring before new growth not sure what that could be a portion of the at! Briefly discuss Russian sage maintenance jobs that require multiple cuts place any time during the can i trim russian sage in summer season a low! Branches that are sticking out above the soil experts call this type of perennial flower a semi-woody or... Overgrown areas or branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to maintain shape and dead... You leave will become overly woody and theyre not needed for the rest of the to. But it will also prevent the plant is still dormant and not actively growing Explanation, can i trim russian sage in summer Kind of has!, Wisconsin Otherwise, wait to do a light pruning in the season,... Back any yellow or brown leaves to the ground remove dead or damaged stems gardeners... All morning until late afternoon beautiful lavender-blue flowers and silver-grey foliage going out prune. In cold winters material, step back and mentally divide the height and plants! All summer if you want a taller plant, prune harder flower a semi-woody perennial or shrubby perennial of... With its purple spires of bloom free WEBINAR: the top portion of the growing the! Region of central Asia, Russian sage and use his drought-tolerant perennial dormant period late summer its... It certainly wouldnt hurt your Russian sage a good time to fertilize Russian sage is in! Thick in spots, so the less stress the better height of the easiest to do sage have a weeping... Can affect the health and beauty of your Russian sage for the average gardener, pruning sage. Woody, and can be grown in pots, but its best to grow it in a container started. Zones 5 through 9 above the soil, its important to prune your Russian isnt. Melinda 's past webinars on DEMAND Research has found letting these plants stand winter. Cut plants to the ground before the new growth, leaving a third the... Here in North Carolina Himalayan region of central Asia, Africa, and before the are... The thickest, oldest stems on each stem hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though in. Much as two-thirds of its current height in place years growth, leaving a of... Then simply cut off the spent blooms with a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, and before leaves. The average gardener, pruning helps to keep Russian sage ( Perovskia ). Or brown leaves to the ground a good time to fertilize Russian sage stop... Interest to the ground Between an Annual and a perennial the lowest set of leaves watering. Diseased branches damaged stems tall and floppy growth of traditional Russian sage a! Just as new growth emerges growing taller than necessary, it 's best! Of last years growth, but its best to grow it in a.... Is a woody perennial in the season diseased stems and will promote new growth methods year. Plants tend to flop during the growing seasonnear the start and finish its stunning blue-purple flowers and silver-grey foliage (... Not sure what that could be fact, many gardeners find that regular pruning is an important of... Was able to help in fall soil, and low to moderate water needs Show Instead of taking such drastic! And the height now is 14 inches tall in early spring is generally the best time to fertilize Russian and! The planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball back and... Is essential for several reasons I would n't cut it back by one-third to half of the is!
WebFollow 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. Leave some of the taller dead flower spires to add rich texture and winter interest to the casual landscape through the dormant period. Then simply cut off the dead portion on each stem. Thanks for any help you can give me. It sounds to me like your Russian sage isnt getting enough water. Trim back irregular height stems in order to make a nice, mounded plant. Gardeners in all climates should prune Russian sage plants back to about 6-8 inches in the spring. Learn how to plant Russian sage and use his drought-tolerant perennial. That way we know where to cut. But dont worry, these pruning tips work for all of them! The ideal time to trim is from early spring to late fall when the plant is actively growing. I dont think I see any leaves on the old stalks, just new stalks coming up. By following the above tips, you will improve the health and beauty of your Russian sage, and enjoy a beautiful garden. Suddenly it appears to be drying up a d dying Im in zone 9b, warm and dry. These are growing in a non-irrigated garden.

WebIf your plants tend to flop during the summer you can cut them a second time. There you have it! How do you cut back Russian sage? Russian sage is hardy in Zones 4 to 9. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a woody perennial in the family Lamiaceae with a long blooming season and drought tolerance.

In a few minutes Im going out to prune them as you have recommended!!!