Can You Divide Russian Sage? A Complete Guide to Propagating this Fragrant Perennial
Russian sage is a gorgeous perennial that brings lovely purple-blue blooms and silver foliage to gardens from midsummer into fall. It has a beautiful airy look and a lovely fragrance that makes it a joy to have in your outdoor space. If you already grow Russian sage, you may be wondering if you can divide it to propagate more plants – and the good news is yes you absolutely can! Dividing Russian sage is totally doable with some simple steps.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully dividing your Russian sage plants. We’ll look at when to divide, how to separate and replant the roots, tips for care after dividing, and more. Read on to learn all about propagating this incredible perennial to get the most out of its beauty!
An Overview of Russian Sage
Before diving into dividing, let’s start with a quick overview of some key facts about Russian sage that are useful to know:
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Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a woody perennial plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to central Asia.
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It grows 3-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide. The slender spikes of tubular purple-blue flowers bloom from midsummer well into fall.
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The leaves are finely cut and silvery gray in color. The foliage has a lovely fragrant scent when rubbed or brushed.
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Russian sage thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established.
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This plant spreads by self-seeding and is known to take over garden beds. Dividing it regularly helps prevent overcrowding.
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Russian sage attracts butterflies and pollinators to the garden. It also works beautifully as a cut or dried flower.
When to Divide Russian Sage
Russian sage should be divided every 2-3 years in either early spring or fall. Here are some signs it’s time to divide:
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The center of the plant is dying out and growth looks leggy.
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Blooms are smaller and less prolific than previous years.
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It has overgrown its space in the garden.
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You simply want more plants!
Dividing in spring or fall gives new divisions time to establish roots before winter dormancy or summer heat. Avoid dividing when the plant is in full flower during mid to late summer. You want the buds to be dry and inactive.
How to Divide Russian Sage
Here are the simple steps for successfully dividing your Russian sage plants:
- Cut the Stems Back
Start by cutting back the stems to about 6-8 inches above the ground using pruners or garden shears. This reduces water loss during transplanting.
- Dig Up the Plant
Dig up the entire plant with a shovel, making sure to dig at least 6 inches out from the outermost roots. Take care to retain as much of the root system as possible.
- Remove Excess Soil
Gently shake or hose off some of the soil from the roots so you can see where to divide them. Try to keep fibrous feeder roots intact.
- Divide the Roots
Using your hands, gently pull apart the root mass into smaller sections. For large plants, divide into thirds or quarters. Smaller plants can be halved. Each division should have a good portion of roots and crown stems.
- Keep Roots Moist
As you work, keep the separated root divisions in a bucket of water so they don’t dry out.
- Prepare New Planting Holes
Dig holes for the new divisions as deep as the root mass, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enrich it.
- Transplant Divisions
Place each division in its new planting hole. Make sure the crown is level with the soil surface. Fill holes with amended soil, firming it gently around the roots.
- Water Thoroughly
Water each new division well after planting to remove any air pockets in the soil.
- Mulch Around Plants
Once the ground starts to freeze in late fall, mulch around the new plants to protect the roots through winter.
Caring for Newly Divided Russian Sage
Here are some tips for looking after your newly divided Russian sage plants:
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Water regularly for the first few weeks after transplanting, especially during droughts.
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Stake larger divisions if needed to keep them upright until the roots establish.
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Prune back any dying or damaged growth to stimulate new shoots.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to encourage growth.
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In very hot climates, provide some afternoon shade the first summer after dividing.
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Cut plants back to 6 inches in late fall after the first hard frost.
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Avoid trimming, fertilizing, or disturbing roots once buds form in summer.
With proper care, your new Russian sage divisions should be fully established plants within 1-2 growing seasons. They will reward you with their signature floral show and fragrance year after year!
Troubleshooting Problems With Divided Plants
If your divided Russian sage plants struggle and appear stunted the first season, here are some common issues and solutions:
Problem: Plants are wilting or leaves are yellowing.
How to Divide Russian Sage
FAQ
When can you split Russian sage?
Once established, very little care is needed. Simply scatter a handful of general- purpose fertilizer or compost (no more than 1 inch) around each plant every other year in late fall. Propagate Russian sage plants by dividing the clumps or taking cuttings in spring.
How do you multiply Russian sage?
- Dig up the mature plant, taking care to preserve the root ball.
- Separate the roots into sections, each with shoots and roots.
- Replant at the same depth, water thoroughly to settle soil.
Does Russian sage transplant well?
Transplanting established Russian sage can be tricky. Dig a large perimeter around the plant, taking as much soil and root system with you as you can. The plant will likely go into shock after transplanting and could take a few months to come out of it. The best time to move Russian sage is in early spring.
When to divide sage?
Herbaceous plants should be lifted and divided between the early autumn and midspring, depending on weather conditions. This means that in areas where the weather is mild in the fall, divide the herbs. In colder regions, herb plant division should occur in the spring when the roots are still slumbering.
How do you divide Russian sage?
Steps to Dividing Russian Sage Below is a step-by-step guide on how to divide Russian sage: Step 1 – Choose a mature plant with healthy roots. Step 2 – Dig out the plant by digging around it and lifting it with a garden fork. Be careful not to damage the roots. Step 3 – Gently shake off the loose soil and remove any dead or damaged roots.
How often should you divide Russian sage?
Dividing Russian sage in spring will ensure that the plant has enough time to establish healthy roots and will have a higher chance of blooming in the same season. On average, Russian sage plants need to be divided every 3 to 4 years. The frequency at which you divide your plant will depend on how fast it grows and how big it becomes.
How do you dig up a Russian sage plant?
Using your sharp shovel or spade, dig up the entire Russian Sage plant, taking care not to damage the roots. If the plant is large, you may need to dig a circle around it, about 12 to 18 inches away from the base, so that you can access the root ball. Step 4: Divide the Plant
How do you know if a Russian Sage needs Division?
Here are some things to look for: Crowded Roots: If the roots of your Russian sage plant are overcrowded and tangled, it’s a sign that it needs division. You will likely see this if the plant has outgrown its container, or if the foliage is sparse and the flowers are not as prolific as they used to be.
Is Russian sage a perennial?
Russian sage is a beautiful perennial plant that is commonly grown in gardens across the world. It is known for its silvery-green foliage and beautiful lavender-blue flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. One of the main benefits of this plant is its easy maintenance, which includes dividing it regularly.
How do you propagate Russian sage?
Russian sage can be propagated by taking cuttings or by dividing the plants – here’s how to try it at home When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Q: I have an established Russian sage in my front yard.