Time of the Year to Transplant Russian Sage
Few perennials are as drought- and cold-hardy as Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), native to Tibet and Afghanistan. This shrubby perennial grows into a silvery mound topped with airy blue flowers from midsummer until fall. The best time to transplant Perovskia depends on how the plant is currently growing. Does this Spark an idea?
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About Russian Sage
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Perovskia has greenish-gray, silvery foliage that is an asset to the garden all year-round. On the species, the long, narrow flower panicles are light blue, but more vivid cultivars are available. Russian sage grows 4 to 5 feet tall and wide each season. Flowering begins in July and lasts until late September. Russian sage is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones 3 through 8 or 9, depending on cultivar.
Culture
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Grow Russian sage in full sun. This plant requires well-drained soil and is a good choice for xeriscaping. After the plant is established, give it supplemental water only during extended droughts. Cut the plant back each spring to 4 to 6 inches above ground level to keep the plant bushy and productive. Division is seldom needed.
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Bare Root Plants
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Mail order and Internet nurseries ship both potted and bare root plants of Perovskia in the spring. Plant bare root Russian sage in early spring, as soon as you receive it. Soak the roots for an hour to rehydrate them and then plant them by digging a hole deep and wide enough to hold the roots without crowding. Make a cone of dirt at the bottom of the hole and spread the roots over the cone, making sure there's no air pocket under the crown. Set the crown at the same depth at which it grew before being harvested, indicated by a change in color on the stem.
Potted Plants
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Perovskia is available as potted plants in garden centers from spring until fall. Plant them in the garden at any time during the growing season, until one month before the first expected frost. Your garden center or local extension service can give you the frost date for your area.
Existing Plants
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Move your existing Russian sage plants in the spring, just as the plant shows new growth. Cut the stems back to 4 to 6 inches above soil level, then dig the plant by inserting a spade or garden fork straight down, all around the plant, then sliding it under the root ball. Set the plant into its new home, making sure the plant sits at the same level as before.
The Bottom Line
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The best time to transplant Russian sage depends on how it's currently growing. Move existing plants in the spring, which is also the best time to transplant bare root specimens. Transplant Perovskia in containers at any time during the growing season until a month before your first expected frost.
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