Russian sage can be propagated by taking cuttings or by dividing the plants – heres how to try it at home
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Q: I have an established Russian sage in my front yard. I love its vibrant purple flowers just as much as visiting bees and butterflies do, and Id like to grow a few more around my backyard patio. Is it possible to propagate my existing plant, to save having to buy new ones?
A: Russian sage (Salvia yangii) is indeed a great plant for pollinators. And, as its drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, its easy to look after, too, flowering year after year if conditions are right.
There are a couple of ways to propagate these summer bloomers: by taking plant cuttings and by dividing the plants. Below, youll find plenty of expert tips on both approaches, including step-by-step instructions.
The vibrant blooms add a splash of color to the garden( credit: Tom Meaker / iStock / Getty s Plus / Getty s)
Propagating Russian Sage A Complete Guide for Beginners
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a gorgeous perennial known for its airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage. This hardy plant thrives in hot, dry conditions, providing a beautiful accent to garden beds and borders. If you already grow Russian sage, you may be wondering if it’s possible to propagate this plant to get more of it for your landscape. The good news is – yes, you can definitely propagate Russian sage!
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk through the different methods for propagating Russian sage, including division, stem cuttings, and growing from seed. We’ll also discuss the best time of year to propagate, and how to care for your new plants. Read on to learn everything you need to get started multiplying your Russian sage.
When is the Best Time to Propagate Russian Sage?
Spring and summer are the optimal seasons for propagating Russian sage This perennial grows best when nighttime temperatures are above 50°F The actively growing season between late spring and mid summer is ideal for taking cuttings or dividing plants,
Here are the suggested time frames for different propagation methods:
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Division: Early spring as growth resumes or fall after flowering.
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Stem cuttings: Late spring through summer.
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Seeds: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date.
Propagating by Division
Dividing established Russian sage plants is one of the easiest ways to get more of these perennials. Here are step-by-step division instructions:
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Dig up the plant and shake off excess soil from roots.
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Gently pull the root mass apart into smaller sections with your hands.
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Each new division should have plenty of healthy roots and some foliage.
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Immediately replant divisions into amended soil. Water well.
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Divisions may take a season to reach full size but will establish quickly.
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Divide plants every 2-3 years to rejuvenate and control spread.
Taking Stem Cuttings
You can also propagate Russian sage by taking stem cuttings in spring or summer:
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Use a sharp, clean knife or shears to take 3-4 inch cuttings.
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Cut just below a leaf node, removing bottom leaves.
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Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder (optional but helps).
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Stick cuttings in a sterile media like perlite or vermiculite.
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Keep evenly moist, not soggy. Rooting takes 2-4 weeks.
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Once rooted, transplant into pots with potting mix to grow larger before planting outside.
Growing Russian Sage from Seed
Though slower, you can also start Russian sage from seeds:
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Collect dry seed pods in fall or sow fresh seeds in spring.
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.
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Sow seeds just below the soil surface. Keep warm (70°F) and moist until germination.
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Transplant seedlings into larger containers once true leaves appear. Harden off.
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Plant seedlings into garden after all chance of frost has passed.
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Flowers will emerge in the second year from seed. Plants vary when grown from seed.
Caring for Newly Propagated Russian Sage Plants
Here are some tips for caring for new Russian sage propagated from divisions, cuttings or seed:
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Choose a sunny spot with very well-drained soil. Avoid wet feet.
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Water consistently after transplanting to help establish deep roots.
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Stake tall divisions or floppy young plants if needed for support.
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Pinch back tips to encourage bushy, compact growth habit.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to stimulate growth.
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Protect from hot afternoon sun the first year until established.
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Insulate roots from cold in winter by mulching around the base.
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Prune out any dead stems in late winter or early spring annually.
Troubleshooting Propagation Issues
Here are some common propagation problems and solutions:
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Cuttings failing to root – Too wet, improve drainage. Take cuttings in spring/summer.
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Transplants are stunted – Root damage during propagation. Avoid dividing in heat.
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Leggy growth – Needs more sun. Move to full sun spot.
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Few flowers – Shock from transplanting. Allow more time to establish.
Key Takeaways for Propagating Russian Sage
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Divide plants in spring or fall for quick and easy results.
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Take 3-4 inch softwood cuttings in spring and summer. Root in sterile media.
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for slower but cheaper plants.
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Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid excess moisture.
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Allow divisions, cuttings, and seedlings 1-2 seasons to establish before flowering.
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Troubleshoot issues like poor drainage, root damage, and transplant shock.
With the right timing and care, propagating Russian sage is an easy way to multiply this gorgeous, rugged perennial. Follow the techniques outlined above, and you’ll be enjoying more of these beauties in your garden beds and borders.
Rooting Russian Sage from Cuttings
A couple weeks ago I took nine cuttings of Russian sage that were about 4 inches long and placed them in sand after putting some rooting hormone on the cut end. In less than two weeks there was significant rooting and all 9 cuttings successfully rooted.
Check out the root system on this Russian sage cutting in the picture below! Rooting Russian sage from cuttings. An example of good root growth from a cutting.
Internode: The new roots come out from the sides of the stem and not just the cut end which means it will produce internodal root.
Why I Love Russian Sage in the Garden
Russian sage has a lot of extremely good properties that make it worth planting in the garden. It is obviously and attractive plant. The purple/blue flowers that emerge on tall spires are very attractive and can be planted well with a number of plants. It goes well with roses, coreopsis, verbena, and many other perennials. Russian sage can be used in front of evergreen plantings to add some summertime color with a green backdrop.
How to Propagate Russian Sage through Cuttings
FAQ
Can you propagate Russian sage from a cutting?
Propagate Russian sage plants by dividing the clumps or taking cuttings in spring. Dividing the clumps every four to six years reinvigorates the plants and helps to control their spread. The big care concern with these plants is pruning.
Can you root Russian sage in water?
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Potting Mix is Preferred:For Russian sage, which is a woody plant, using a soil-less potting mix like sand or perlite is often more successful than rooting in water. This is because it provides better drainage and aeration, which helps prevent root rot and encourages healthier root development.
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You can take cuttings from Russian sage, but it’s important to use non-lignified (new, soft) growth. Cut off shoot tips with 3-4 leaf pairs, remove all but two leaves, and shorten the remaining leaves by half.
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Humidity:To help the cuttings root successfully, you can create a humid environment by placing the pot inside a baggie.
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Water Management:When rooting in a potting mix, ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, similar to a wrung-out sponge. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can hinder root development. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Does Russian sage multiply?
‘Blue Spire’ Russian sage tends to grow more upright than the species with stems that reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Russian sage spreads by self-sowing if conditions are right and also by rhizomes. In some situations, gardeners report this perennial flower as being invasive.
Will sage cuttings root in water?
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1. Rooting in Water:Sage cuttings can be placed in a glass of water, and they will develop roots within a few weeks.
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2. Potting Mix is Preferred:While rooting in water is possible, it’s generally recommended to propagate sage cuttings in soil or a soil-less potting mix, as this can lead to a stronger, healthier root system.
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3. Why Water Can Be a Problem:Woody plants like sage can be prone to rot if their roots are sitting in water for extended periods.
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4. Watering Techniques:If you choose to root in water, make sure the water is clean and change it regularly to prevent bacteria or algae growth.
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5. Light:Provide bright, indirect light to encourage root development.
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6. Transplanting:Once the cuttings have developed a decent root system (1-2 inches), they can be gently removed from the water and planted in soil.
How to propagate Russian sage?
Russian sage (Perovskia) can be propagated through new divisions and runners in pots or a nursery bed, or by taking stem cuttings in spring. Use tender shoots taken from near the base of the plant.
How do you root a Russian sage cutting?
Treat the cut end of the Russian sage cutting in rooting hormone (not absolutely necessary as Russian sage will root without additional rooting hormone). Place your cutting carefully in sand or other rooting medium. Use a pencil to dib holes in the sand to help prevent breakage of the soft stems. (It’s really frustrating when you damage a cutting!)
How do you divide Russian sage?
Established plants can be carefully split up with a spade Dividing these perennials is quick and straightforward, with instant results. According to Brock Ingham of Bigger Garden, it’s best to divide Russian sage in early spring as new growth begins, or in the fall after flowering has ended.