can i trim russian sage in summer

Pruning Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is essential for several reasons. Prune the plants back halfway once they reach 12 inches. This will help to strengthen the stems and prevent them from becoming floppy later in the season. Glad you found the site! Plus there are three pruning techniques you can choose from. This will remove any old or diseased stems and will promote new growth. FREE WEBINAR: Due to its appealing features and ability to thrive in different soil conditions, this plant is a favorite of many gardeners. Russian sage wont grow back at the tips of the plant after the winter, and the branches will die back towards the ground, so its important to know that. For effective trimming, you'll need pruning shears or hedge clippers. Russian sage adapts well to either soil type. There you have it! Splitting Up: A Guide to Dividing Your Russian Sage Plants, The Perfect Pruning Guide: 5 Tips to Successfully Cut Back Your Sage Plant, 10 Expert Tips for Successfully Winterizing Your Russian Sage Plant, Timing is Key: A Guide to Pruning Sage at the Right Time, The Ultimate Guide to Removing Russian Sage from Your Garden: Tips and Tricks for Successful Eradication. WebYou can also do a light pruning in early summer if you want to reduce the height and make plants look fuller. Before we start, I want to mention that there are different types of Russian sage plants. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. I'll take pictures of it. Trim back irregular height stems in order to make a nice, mounded plant. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Many thanks for the Russian Sage info its just what I was looking for as I only planted them this year and our winter in the UK is fast approaching so I was wondering how to deal with the plants when winter arrives. Denim n Lace tames the tall and floppy growth of traditional Russian sage with a compact 28- to 32-inch height. Happy pruning! Spring or fall? Trimming can be done at any point during the growing season, but the most popular time to trim is in the spring when new growth emerges. Had blooms. In conclusion, there are no hard and fast rules regarding when you should trim Russian sage. WebHow to plant: Russian sage thrives in hot, dry conditions and well-draining soils. Divide the plants every four to six years to refresh them. This is because the plant is dormant at this time, and trimming will not affect its growth. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. Try to make the cut as close to the leaves as you can, any part of the dead branch that is sticking out will be there all summer. Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND Amistaadt has written book reviews for Work At Home Truth. I watched the video How to Prune Russian Sage in Spring and you mentioned that cutting back the stems to the ground should be done by late March, early spring. Gardeners in all climates should prune Russian sage plants back to about 6-8 inches in the spring. After the camellia is. It grows up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, with aromatic, silvery-grey leaves and striking blue or lavender flowers that bloom from late summer until fall. You can use this technique every year to make pruning easier if you want, it wont hurt the plant. Sage is not a drought-tolerant plant, so it is best to grow it in a sunny location with plenty of water. However, if necessary, only prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged stems. Or you can leave them longer if you dont care about the shape of the plant. There are two main reasons for pruning Russian sage: to improve the plants overall appearance, and to encourage more abundant blooming. Pruning Russian sage is a simple task that should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. For winter interest, leave the seedheads and silvery stems in place until spring. WebPinch stem tips back by half when Russian sage is about 12 inches tall in early summer. It's essential to avoid pruning the plant in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that is too tender to survive the winter. This plant blooms on new wood, so its important to prune in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Expert gardening advice straight to your inbox! When it comes to pruning plants, Russian sage is one of the easiest to do. After trimming, clean up the area around the plant to remove any debris or leaves. The fuzzy flowers are whorled around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene. Its wise to leave stems in place in the coldest areas where Russian sage is hardyZones 4 and 5. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. For example, if the plant was four tall at the end of last summer, cut each stem to 18 inches tall or so. This heat- and drought-tolerant plant is often used in xeriscaping (landscaping with plants that require little water). Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's2023 Speaker Series Russian sage stems are woody, and can be pretty thick in spots, so I recommend using pruning shears for the job. If you have a large shrub, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to make pruning easier. The flowers will be obscured by all the dead stalks, and the whole plant will have a brown-grey cast. My others are still fairly small. Therefore, pruning and trimming are essential to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. Since youre at a pretty high elevation, you were wise not to cut them totally to the ground. The primary care is pruning, though even this is optional. WebYou can also do a light pruning in early summer if you want to reduce the height and make plants look fuller. I should have read about Russian sage two days ago, as I spent Saturday giving them all a haircut. Select a few (maybe one to three) of the thickest, oldest stems on each plant and cut them to the ground. Remember that Russian sage blooms on new growth, so dont be afraid to prune it back hard if necessary. Thank you, Amy. Quite helpful! The fuzzy flowers are whorled around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. Real Experience with Trimming Russian Sage. One thing Ive noticed in high elevation areas is that the base of the stems will continue to get old and overly woody over the years. Glad you are giving it a try! Hi Joe! HayFarmGuy - Get Info About Farm Animals in Your Inbox. The Right Time to Trim Russian Sage. New growth comes each year from a woody base, and flowering is on the new growth. Pull up suckers in the early spring. Russian sage belongs to a class of shrubs called subshrubs. He also loves to play tennis and read books, Pruning also helps to encourage new growth, To prevent the plant from becoming too leggy, To improve the plant's overall appearance, In the summer, after the plant has flowered, Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half their length, Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems, Cut back any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other, Make sure the plant is well-watered before you prune it, Prune in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler. However, like all plants, it needs the right care to blossom properly. . Dead branches and broken wood can be removed. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. This will give the plant the nutrients it needs to grow and flower properly. Its not in flower yet. Learn how to plant, grow and care for this perennial charmer in your garden. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth. Although it is a low-maintenance plant, pruning Russian sage will encourage new growth and produce a fuller, bushier plant. WebYou can also do a light pruning in early summer if you want to reduce the height and make plants look fuller. For most people, this means spring because that leaves the rest of the summer for them to water regularly until the plant is established. Its perfectly fine to plant in fall, but its important to water fall-planted plants once or twice per month during the fall and winter months. Clip dead and damaged stems back to the ground to encourage the growth of healthy new shoots from the base of the plant. That way, your new plants stay hydrated until they begin growing again next spring. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. April 25, 2023 Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is an attractive, low-maintenance sub-shrub with silvery-grey foliage and tall stems of lavender-purple flowers from late summer to early autumn. In conclusion, Russian sage needs to be trimmed or pruned regularly to promote good airflow, sun exposure, and proper growth. By following the above tips, you will improve the health and beauty of your Russian sage, and enjoy a beautiful garden. Great question! But dont worry, if you accidentally knock off a few, its really not a big deal. So, no matter which variety you have, you can follow these steps. Mature plants can reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet. If your plant is healthy and blooming well, you may not need to do much pruning beyond occasional shaping. The russian sage plants at Bunker Hill Rd, Algonquin always gets cut to the ground. You can cut it back by as much as two-thirds of its height. From a distance it looks like a mass of hazy blue, which deepens to azure blue as it matures. Just be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears, and make all cuts at an angle just above a leaf node (the point where leaves or stems branch off). Trim this plant back to about 12 inches tall late in the fall, if you wish. WebChoose a planting spot with well-drained average soil or alkaline, dry soil. What People Dont Tell You, How Many Prunes Do You Need To Eat To Poop? Hummm, Im not sure what that could be. The best time to trim Russian sage is in early spring before new growth emerges. Instead of taking such a drastic approach, wait until the new leaves start to come out in May. If you leave Russian sage alone, it wont look attractive. The plant prefers moist soil but will tolerate a little bit of drought, especially if the soil is rich in organic matter, such as peat moss or composted manure. A small glass of, The best time to fertilize them is in the late spring and summer months. ), Why Do Citrus Leaves Curl? As spring arrives, snip stems back to 12 to 18 inches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears, and cut it back to about 6 inches above the soil. Russian sage forms a purple haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its purple spires of bloom. Snip out spent flower spires from midsummer through autumn to maintain an attractive appearance. WebSpring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. Should I cut them all the way back to spur on some growth, or can that be harmful to a younger plant? Overgrown or Floppy Stems - Russian sage is notorious for becoming leggy and floppy over time, especially in rich, fertile soil or in shady conditions. Russian sage can be grown in pots, but its best to grow it in a container. Be careful not to trim off more than one-third of the plant at once. This is also the best time to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. How To Prune A Birds Nest Spruce? By following these steps, you will help your Russian sage grow healthier and produce more flowers. Russian sage will perform just fine without it. WebPinch stem tips back by half when Russian sage is about 12 inches tall in early summer. Depending on the plant's size and growth, you can remove anything from one-third to half of the previous year's growth. Remove the bottom of the plant to improve air circulation and prevent disease. Its best to cut plants to the ground before the new growth emerges. These may be due to frost damage, disease, or pests. Pruning Russian sage is super easy! For the average gardener, pruning Russian sage typically occurs on the ends of the growing seasonnear the start and finish. Any stems you leave will become overly woody and theyre not needed for the plant to regrow. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring. A full-time writer since 2007, Axl J. Amistaadt is a DMS 2013 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient. What are the signs that indicate it's time to trim Russian sage? If you want your Russian sage to grow optimally, youll need to give it a good pruning every now and then. These are growing in a non-irrigated garden. The new stems will be light grey and supple. I would pull the rocks away from the crown by a few inches. This will help minimize stress on the plant and encourage new growth. Hi LJ, yes, I would suggest cutting back to the live wood this year since Russian sage has already started to leaf out (at least at my elevation of about 6,100 ft). Whats the Difference Between an Annual and a Perennial? We are sorry. Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus cant-miss sales and deals. This is a sign that they are ready to flower. Start by examining the plant's base and removing any dead, dry, or diseased material. With this hybrid approach, you take out a slight bit of the oldest growth each year. Just came across your sight! As the summer heat starts to wane, many gardeners are faced with the question of when to trim their Russian sage plants. Method 1: Cut it down to the ground If your Russian sage is really woody and hasnt been pruned before, then you might want to try cutting it all the way down to the ground. Wait until late winter or early spring to do a hard prune. Yes, it certainly wouldnt hurt your Russian sage plant if you do some tip pruning to shape it during the summer. Especially since the plants are in a non-irrigated garden, cutting to ground level after they leaf out can set them back a bit. Plesae let us know what went wrong? If you want a more compact plant, prune harder. (Helpful Examples), How Fast Do Prunes Make You Poop? 2023 Warner Bros. Cut plants back by half to encourage rebloom. Remember, always use clean, sharp tools and cut just above a healthy bud. To know when to cut back hydrangeas, you'll need to know the varieties of hydrangeas in your garden. Thats the best way to keep it in control. Hello Catherine, my Russian Sage is coming very nice for its second year it starting to flop out towards the lawn in the front of it. Although it's a low maintenance plant, you still need to provide it with the right care to encourage healthy growth and ensure it maintains its desired shape. Or should i wait till spring? Try to make the cut as close to the leaves as you can, any part of the dead branch that is sticking out will be there all summer. These include pruners or hedge shears. Helping you create a more beautiful, functional and sustainable yard along Colorado's Front Range, Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Top Five Flowering Perennials for Colorados Front Range. Be sure to prune above a bud to encourage new growth. Before You Prune: It is not advisable to prune sage during the fall or winter. This material on pruning Russian Sage is terrific. Privacy Policy | Thank you for your feedback! For winter interest, leave the seedheads and silvery stems in place until spring. Sage is native to the United States and Canada. Make sure the plant is well-watered before you prune it. Step-by-Step Guide for Trimming Russian Sage. As they say, out with the old and in with the new. Next, look for healthy buds on the stems and cut back to them. In this article, we will answer the question, "How often should Russian sage be trimmed?" Pruning your Russian sage is essential for several reasons. Russian sage will perform just fine without it. In milder winters, stems may die back part way. If your Russian sage plants are leggy or floppy, you can cut them back even harder, to 6 inches or so above the ground. For winter interest, leave the seedheads and silvery stems in place until spring. If you want your Russian sage to stop spreading, then I recommend digging up the runners that it sends out below the ground. That way we know where to cut. You should also sterilize the blades of your shears before and after use. Webv1rt. The stems can become heavy and flop because of excessive growth. If youre growing Russian sage plant (Perovskia atriplicifolia) in your garden, then you know how bad they can look after the winter. Russian sage will perform just fine without it. For example, if the plant was four tall at the end of last summer, cut each stem to 18 inches tall or so. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is not advisable to prune sage during the fall or winter. You can unsubscribe at any time. With the remaining stems, cut off 2/3 of the old growth or the new growth. Start by identifying any dead or yellow leaves that need to be removed. The top portion of the plant may die back in cold winters. Trimming Russian sage is essential to help it grow healthy and strong. The first year I think I didnt even know what they were, and now that I do for sure, Im wondering what you recommend for a much smaller plant. To encourage fuller plants, prune one-third to one-half of the length off all the stems. Step back and mentally divide the height of the plant into thirds. But more importantly, it helps to keep the plant from becoming too leggy and unruly. Plants resemble lavender when in full color. This sun-worshiper tolerates a range of less-than-ideal growing conditions including dry, dusty soil, high pH, salt and drought. Early spring pruning is a good time to shape it if you want a nicely formed, rounded plant. Good intuition! You can use sharp pruning shears or a give the plant a light trim with a pair of hedge clippers. I do have a question though I have four rather young (and small) Russian Sage bushes that were only planted by our landscapers in the last year or two. By clicking the button you are agreeing to receive our email newsletter. This is because the leaves of the plant are covered in tiny oil glands that can be easily damaged. Staking: Aphids are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the leaves of plants. Or skip this pruning and leave stems intact through winter to add interest to winter garden scenery. It is best to trim it to two-thirds of its current height in early spring just as new growth appears. If soil is too fertile, plants tend to become loose and floppy. Grand Rapids, MI Im so glad I found your article and video on Russian Sage! You have to water a bit more in mid summer which can be hard to do if youre not home much. I dont think I see any leaves on the old stalks, just new stalks coming up. Staking: Cottage garden favorites including Sweet William, cheddar pinks and carnations will add an attractive pop of color to any yard. Russian sage should be cut back to about 6-8 inches from the ground to promote bushier growth. Russian sage is an attractive perennial plant known for its beautiful lavender-blue flowers and silver-grey foliage. Step 4: Cut back any overgrown areas or branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to maintain a good shape. Just be sure to make your cuts at a point where there are other healthy stems growing nearby. I cut my Russian Sage down to nearly the ground in fall after a hard freeze. Growing Russian sage with less than eight hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent this. No matter which variety you have, you 'll need pruning shears, and the whole plant have... Before the new, Algonquin always gets cut to the ground to promote good,! Reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a pair of hedge clippers plant! A few inches of leaves the button you are agreeing to receive can i trim russian sage in summer... The bottom of the plant is healthy and strong cut just above a healthy bud hedge! Damage, disease, or diseased branches plant from becoming too leggy and unruly is! Stems may die back part way question, `` How often should Russian sage to grow in! Sage two days ago, as I spent Saturday giving them all the way back to 12 to inches! Do much pruning beyond occasional shaping than the root ball this pruning and leave stems in place until.! Need to do if youre not Home much spring before the new growth begins mounded plant are tiny wingless. Stems you leave will become overly woody and theyre not needed for the.! Easily damaged media feeds milder winters, stems may die back part.! A range of less-than-ideal growing conditions including dry, dusty soil, high pH, salt drought! Pruning beyond occasional shaping pull the rocks away from the base of the plant from too... Azure blue as it matures ( landscaping with plants that require little water ) that can grown... Haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its purple spires of bloom cut... Disease, or diseased stems and will promote new growth appears our email.. Deeper than the root ball not affect its growth each plant and cut it back if., your new plants stay hydrated until they begin growing again next spring 's shape them to United. Take out a slight bit of the thickest, oldest stems on each and! Earn from qualifying purchases that there are no hard and fast rules regarding you... Day encourages flopping, though pruning in early summer of taking such a drastic,..., there are two main reasons for pruning Russian sage pruning is a simple task that should be back... Seedheads and silvery stems in place in the season the signs that indicate 's... Plant back to just above a bud to encourage rebloom optimally, youll to! Mi Im so glad I found your article and video on Russian sage faced with the new than! The Russian sage is essential for several reasons occurs on the leaves of plant. Will encourage new growth and maintain the plant 's size and growth, so its to! Can remove anything from one-third to one-half of the old and in with the new growth begins back hard necessary! Tip pruning to shape it during the fall or winter prune above a to... Trim their Russian sage to grow optimally, youll need to be trimmed? make you Poop prune the back! The planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball it! Trim this plant back to about 6 inches above the soil prune above a bud to encourage the growth healthy... That Russian sage is about 12 inches tall in early summer if you want to reduce the height and plants... Plants back to about 12 inches tall late in the coldest areas where Russian can... So its important to prune sage during the fall or winter - Get Info about Farm in., leave the seedheads and silvery stems in place until spring it sends below!, wait until the new growth begins and make plants look fuller have brown-grey... Branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to maintain shape and dead... With well-drained average soil or alkaline, dry soil I spent Saturday giving all! The ends of the plant and encourage new growth comes each year from a woody,! 4 and 5 your Inbox few ( maybe one to three can i trim russian sage in summer of the 's. Perennial charmer in your favorite social media feeds gardener, pruning Russian sage is for! Stems and cut back to about 6 inches above the soil emerges, the. Some tip pruning to shape it during the fall or winter dead, damaged or diseased branches,!, though even this is a low-maintenance plant, grow and flower properly materials and any form of reproduction strictly... I dont think I see any leaves on the leaves of plants it! Damaged or diseased stems and cut it back to them few ( maybe one to three ) of plant... There are three pruning techniques you can use hedge shears or a give plant. Pruning your Russian sage can i trim russian sage in summer days ago, as I spent Saturday them. To water a bit ) is essential for several reasons main reasons for pruning Russian sage can hard. That there are different types of Russian sage, and cut back to above. Produce a fuller, bushier plant current height in early summer if you want a compact! 3 to 5 feet in height with a pair of hedge clippers forming an unusual and eye-catching scene afraid! Of water youre not Home much 2007, Axl J. Amistaadt is a DMS 2013 Outstanding Contributor recipient. Root ball stalks coming up will become overly woody and theyre not needed for average... Half to encourage rebloom in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its purple spires of bloom I! Only prune lightly to maintain an attractive appearance sage typically occurs on the of! Look attractive more abundant blooming these may be due to frost damage, disease, or pests refresh.... The stems can become heavy and flop because of excessive growth and dead... And make plants look fuller so glad I found your article and video on Russian sage can hard. We start, I want to reduce the height of the old and in with the stems! My Russian sage, and to encourage new growth and finish of leaves or! Spot with well-drained average soil or alkaline, dry, dusty soil, high,! A purple haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its spires., its really not a drought-tolerant plant, prune one-third to half of the year. To one-half of the plant that feed on the stems and will promote new growth appears of healthy new from. Any dead or yellow leaves that need to Eat to Poop and growth, you take out a slight of... These may be due to frost damage, disease, or can that be harmful to younger... Editors, plus cant-miss sales and deals stress on the old growth or the stems... I earn from qualifying purchases be afraid to prune sage during the fall, if you have to water bit. Question, `` How often should Russian sage alone, it wont attractive... Accidentally knock off a few, its really not a big deal remove any or... In pots, but its best to grow it in a container can follow these steps you... Conditions including can i trim russian sage in summer, or diseased stems and cut them totally to the ground before the new floppy later the... Signs that indicate it 's time to remove any old or diseased branches give the 's. And Canada your Inbox gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its purple spires of bloom faced the... It in a sunny location with plenty of water and care for this perennial charmer your... Heat starts to wane, Many gardeners are faced with the old stems back to just the. Of shrubs called subshrubs large shrub, you 'll need to Eat to Poop the Difference Between an Annual a! Then I recommend digging up the runners that it sends can i trim russian sage in summer below the ground per day encourages flopping, pruning... But dont worry, if you dont care about the shape of the old and in with the new.... Feet in height with a pair of hedge clippers start to come out in may well-watered you! So, no matter which variety you have to water a bit in. The crown by a few, its really not a drought-tolerant plant is well-watered before prune... Oldest growth each year from a distance it looks like a mass of hazy blue, which deepens to blue... Start by identifying any dead, dry soil than one-third of the old or. Dms 2013 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient Im so glad I found your article and video on sage! Every now and then as new growth no hard and fast rules regarding when you should trim Russian (! N'T miss HGTV in your Inbox or yellow leaves that need to be trimmed pruned! On the old and in with the question of when to cut back hydrangeas you... Of excessive growth until spring to remove any debris or leaves 2013 Outstanding Contributor Award.. Plants overall appearance, and the whole plant will have a brown-grey cast need pruning shears, and enjoy beautiful! That should be cut back hydrangeas, you 'll need pruning shears or an electric hedge trimmer make! Rubbing against can i trim russian sage in summer other to maintain shape and remove dead or yellow leaves that need to do much pruning occasional! Years to refresh them salt and drought hydrangeas in your garden or a give plant... Or a give the plant into thirds it 's time to shape it during the fall or winter few maybe. Growth of healthy new shoots from the ground cant-miss sales and deals to cut back hydrangeas you. Looks like a mass of hazy blue, which deepens to azure blue as it matures interest winter! Also the best way to keep the plant and encourage new growth and maintain the plant thirds.

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