How to Cut Back Russian Sage

Russian Sage is a beautiful perennial that is drought-tolerant with long-lasting blue blooms. Cutting back the Russian Sage in late spring will help prevent it from flopping over, and it will stagger the bloom time. Avoid fertilizing this perennial as it thrives in poor soil.

Instructions

1. Cut back last year's growth in early spring (March/April) using hand-held pruners. Cut back each stem leaving 6 to 8 inches of stem from the ground up. Russian Sage produces new growth each year on last year's stems.

2. Wait until the stems reach approximately 18 inches of growth in early June, and then snip 2 inches off the top of alternating stems. This will ensure that the bloom time is alternated and reduce the likelihood of the blooms flopping over.

3. Avoid fertilizing the ground where Russian Sage is planted. The soil should be well-drained loam as Russian Sage develops rot in rich soils.

4. Plant Russian sage in full sun. Russian Sage requires an entire day of full sun to prevent weak stems and floppy blooms.

5. Pull up any suckers to keep the plant in control and reduce the spread.

6. Leave the Russian Sage intact over the winter to enjoy the airy stems. Do not place mulch over the crown as this can cause the stems to rot.

Tips & Warnings

• Russian Sage can be propagated from 4-inch cuttings. Cover the stem in rooting hormone, and plant into a pot.

• Large areas of Russian Sage can be cut back using gas or electric hedge trimmers.

• Start new stem cuttings if the center of the plant fails to produce new growth.