How to Prune Russian Sage

Russian sage makes a spectacular specimen plant with its silvery gray leaves and mass of blue-lavender blooms that appear to float above the garden. Paired with Rubeckia or white phlox, it makes a dramatic statement bringing life to any corner of the yard or garden. Left to its own devices, Russian sage can get a bit leggy, but with a little pruning to maintain its shape and to encourage compact growth it will provide depth and texture to your garden.

Things You'll Need

• Garden shears

Instructions

1. Prune Russian sage back in the spring after new growth has emerged. Cut back to the lower three to four shoots to encourage more shoots to form from the base.

2. Allow the plant to grow naturally throughout the year with only minimal trimming to maintain the overall shape and to eliminate over grown branches. Although occasional trimming is fine, trimming too severely during the growing season may inhibit blooms.

3. Let the foliage die off naturally in the fall and leave the stems in place to provide protection from harsh winter weather. The dead foliage provides interest to your landscape during the winter months. Do not prune again until new growth appears and reaches a height of 4 to 6 inches.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant Russian sage 18 inches apart in loose well drained soil. Apply water-soluble fertilizer after pruning in the spring.

References

• Russian sage information