How to Take Care of a Overgrown Russian Sage

Russian sage recovers well from overgrowth.

Russian sage grows as a small shrub, suitable for border planting or as a specimen plant in its own bed. It is more closely related to mint than it is to true sage, but the silver-green leaves and fragrance are reminiscent of sage. A hardy plant, Russian sage thrives with little care. Over time it may become overgrown, however, which causes it to look unattractive and leaves it more open to disease and stress. Pruning and division are vital if you want to return your plant to its former glory.

Things You'll Need

• Shears
• Spade
• Spading forks

Instructions

1. Cut back the entire plant in spring when it is beginning to actively grow again. Shear off each stem down to 6 to 8 inches in height, and dispose of the removed plant parts.

2. Trim out any dead or severely damaged stems. Cut these off at soil level with a pair of sharp shears.

3. Lightly pinch the large, thick stems at the base of the plant, checking for hollowness or over-softness that may signify rot. Cut out any of these stems with the shears.

4. Divide the plant if it has overgrown its planting area. Loosen the soil around the Russian sage with a spade. Shove two spading forks into the center of the plant, holding the forks back to back. Pull them apart, breaking the plant into two. Replant one division in a new area or dispose of it.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent overgrowth in the future. Cut back the Russian sage every spring and pinch off the growing tips throughout summer to control the height of the plant.

• Only divide overgrown but otherwise healthy plants. Diseased and stressed plants may not survive the division process.

References

• New Mexico State University: Pruning Spanish Broom and Russian Sage
• University of Arkansas Extension: Plant of the Week: Russian Sage