How to Grow Russian Sage in Texas
The drier, temperate climate of Texas is well-suited for growing Russian sage. Contrary to its name, Russian sage is actually native to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where more arid conditions prevail. The plant is relatively drought and salt tolerant, and grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9, which cover the entire state of Texas. Most varieties of Russian sage produce tall spires of tiny lavender-colored, tubular flowers which last for two or three months. The plant is attractive to a range of animal species native to Texas, including butterflies and hummingbirds. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Potting soil
- Sand
- Plant pots
- Shovel
- Pruning shears
Instructions
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Take 6 to 8-inch cuttings of new growth from mature plants to propagate new Russian sage plants. Strip off the leaves of the bottom half of each cutting. Insert each cutting into a moist mixture of equal amounts of potting soil and sand in a small plant pot. Transplant the cuttings to the garden when fully rooted, and about 10 to 12 inches tall.
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Transplant rooted Russian sage cuttings after the risk of frost has passed. For the panhandle area, start planting after March 31 to April 15. For west and central Texas and the region along the Texas/Louisiana border, plant after March 15 ro March 31. Plant in eastern Texas after from March 1 and March 15th, and in south Texas past January 30 through March 1.
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Clear a location to transplant the Russian sage cuttings that receives full sun for the entire day in soil that drains well. For the best presentation, plant multiple Russian sage cuttings in mass plantings.
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Dig a hole as deep and about twice as wide as the root ball of the Russian sage plant. If the soil consists of clay, as does much of the soil in Texas, add sand to the excavated soil to allow for better drainage. Place the plant in the hole and back fill the hole with excavated soil. Pack the soil down to remove any air pockets.
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Water the transplanted plants, as needed, to keep the soil moist but not wet until the Russian sage plants are well-established. Once established, watering is generally unnecessary.
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Stake and tie Russian sage plants, if they become long and leggy. This occurs particularly when the plant grows in less than full sun.
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Cut back Russian sage almost to the ground before growth begins in the spring to generate new growth that will produce the highest number of flowers. For the panhandle, cut the plants back before March 31. For west and central Texas and Texas/Louisiana border, trim Russian sage before March 15. Cut back the plants in eastern Texas before March 1, and in south Texas trim them before January 30.
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References
- Floridata: Perovskia Atriplicifolia
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Perovskia Atriplicifolia
- Kemper Center for Home Gardening: Perovskia Atriplicifolia
- Texas A&M University Extension; Texas Home Vegetable Gardening Guide; Joseph Masabni; February 2009
- Texas A&M University: List of Profiles by Soil Order
