When do i prune russian sage

Skip to content. Answer Although some gardeners cut back their Russian Sage Perovskia atriplicifolia plants in the fall, it is better to leave the plant over the winter and cut them back in the spring.

Find it Here Search for:. Master Gardener Gardening Guides Gardening Guides provide introductory information on a broad range of horticultural topics visit the guides page. Feb View Calendar. Being tall , it often requires support either with stakes or a peony ring if grown individually, lest it flop over. If grown in masses, the plants help to support one another.

But the primary care concern with these plants is pruning, which is optional. As a member of the mint family, the Russian sage spreads by runners and needs to be monitored to keep it out places where you don't want it to spread.

Pull up suckers in the early spring. Divide the plants every four to six years to refresh them. For best results and blooms, plant Russian sage in full sun. These bushes thrive in well-drained ground but will tolerate clay soil. They prefer alkaline soils of pH 7 and greater but can tolerate a wide range of soil pH. New transplants need regular watering, but once established, Russian sage is very drought-tolerant. It likes medium to dry soil and will do fine in hot, dry areas of your yard or garden.

Russian sage will not grow well in excessively wet, poorly-draining soil. Indigenous to central Asia, Perovskia atriplicifolia can be grown in planting zones 5 through 9 and may survive winter in zone 4 if you provide some protection during winter. This plant is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. At most, you might provide a light layer of compost in the spring. Some gardeners choose to prune Russian sage annually. The argument for pruning is that the plant will grow to be bushier as a result of this care.

At the very least, it's a good idea to cut off any dead branches to keep this perennial tidy. The normal time to prune Russian sage is early spring or mid-spring, depending on the strategy you adopt.

One reason why spring is the best time to prune as opposed to trimming in fall is that leaving the silver branches adds interest to the winter landscape. Another is that if you trim in the fall and don't get a hard freeze, the plant could start producing new growth.

If it does, a hard freeze could kill the new growth. There are two basic trimming strategies: One is to prune down to within a few inches of ground level in early spring and just be done with it. Plants prefer deep soil to establish a strong root system. Provide supplemental water during the first year after planting. Once established, Russian sage is drought-tolerant. It is useful in container gardening, and a single plant in a large container brings color and fragrance to patios, decks and terraces.

Container plants need more frequent watering. Outside of annual pruning, Russian sage needs little maintenance. Cultivars vary in flower color and growth form. Choose 'Superba' for a more intense flower color of violet-blue. For limited space gardens or containers, 'Little Spire' grows to 2 feet tall with erect growth.

All varieties should receive the same pruning care as the species plant.