Learn the benefits of both options so you can choose when to cut back this hardy perennial
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Russian sage is a great perennial plant that is loved by bees and other insects. A fantastic drought tolerant shrub, Russian sage produces an abundance of branching purple stems come late summer and early fall.
Reaching up to five feet in height, Russian sage benefits from being pruned annually to keep the plant compact, full of productive growth, and blooming at its best.
There are two options for the best time to cut back Russian sage. The task can either be done in fall or spring. It may depend on your location, as well as your gardening goals, as to when you decide to complete the task.
The flowers of Russian sage are a magnet for bees and other pollinators( credit: Getty s/agatchen)
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that produces an abundance of lavender-blue flower spikes throughout summer. Its fine-textured, aromatic foliage and upright habit make it an excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings.
While Russian sage is low-maintenance overall pruning is essential for keeping plants healthy, compact and floriferous. Pruning encourages stronger branching, fuller growth, and more profuse blooming. It also removes dead stems and controls size.
When is the best time to prune Russian sage? What tools and techniques should you use? Read on for a complete step-by-step guide to pruning this beautiful perennial in spring
Why Prune Russian Sage in Spring?
Spring is the optimal time for pruning most perennials, including Russian sage. Pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins allows you to shape plants while stems are visible and accessible. It also avoids accidentally damaging new, tender foliage.
Specifically for Russian sage, spring pruning:
- Removes unsightly dead stems that accumulated over winter
- Promotes bushier, more compact growth
- Encourages thicker, stronger branches to support summer blooms
- Rejuvenates older plants by stimulating new basal growth
- Maintains a shapely habit and prevents flopping
Pruning in spring sets the stage for maximum flowering and a healthier, more attractive Russian sage plant overall.
When to Prune Russian Sage in Spring
Time spring pruning about 6-8 weeks before your average last frost date. In most regions, aim to prune in late February to early April.
Prune later in spring in colder climates where Russian sage may be slow to break dormancy. Ideally, prune just before you notice new growth beginning from basal buds.
You can prune Russian sage into early summer if needed to shape plants or maintain size. But focus on your major annual pruning in early spring.
Tools for Pruning Russian Sage
Having the right tools makes pruning easier and helps ensure clean cuts. Useful tools include:
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Bypass hand pruners – Sharp bypass pruners make quick work of cutting back stems. Look for pruners with ergonomic handles to reduce hand fatigue.
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Loppers – Long-handled loppers allow you to reach further into shrubs. They’re ideal for thicker stems up to half an inch diameter.
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Hedge shears – Hedge shears or electric trimmers speed up pruning for large plantings. They create slightly rougher cuts compared to hand pruners.
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Gardening snips – Snips are useful for precise tip pruning anddetail work once tender new growth emerges.
Always clean and sanitize tools before and after use to prevent disease transmission. Sharpen blades regularly for optimal cutting.
How to Prune Russian Sage Step-By-Step
With the right pruning techniques, you can keep Russian sage looking its best year after year. Follow these simple spring pruning steps:
1. Cut Stems Back to 6 Inches
Examine plants and locate new buds emerging from the base. Then, use hand pruners or loppers to cut back all stems to around 6 inches above soil level.
Make cuts just above a set of buds to encourage branching. Removing old wood down to vigorous new basal growth promotes full, bushy regrowth.
2. Shape and Thin as Needed
Now you can see the basic framework of stems. As needed, make additional cuts to:
- Remove any dead or damaged branches
- Thin congested areas and open up the center
- Shape plants and create a pleasing form
- Reduce width by cutting side branches
3. Clean Up Debris
Pruning Russian sage can generate a lot of debris. Remove all clippings from the garden to prevent pests and disease issues. Compost or dispose of plant debris promptly.
4. Fertilize
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or thin layer of compost after pruning. This provides nutrients to support regrowth.
5. Water During Dry Periods
Water spring-pruned plants regularly if rainfall is lacking. Watering helps tender new shoots establish. Taper off once plants resume active growth.
That’s all there is to it! With this simple routine, your Russian sage will reward you with maximum blooms and beauty.
Pruning Tips and Tricks
Follow these expert tips to prune your Russian sage like a pro:
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Prune flowering perennials like Russian sage soon after blooming ceases to allow time for regrowth before winter. But for best results, stick to spring pruning whenever possible.
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Remove only up to one-third of total growth when shaping or rejuvenating shrubs and perennials. Never remove more than one-third in one season.
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To limit height, cut some stems back further than others. This maintains an attractive mounded shape.
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Prune any new sprouts emerging away from the main clump to keep plants tidy.
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Minimize disease risks by cleaning tools before each cut with a disinfectant like isopropyl alcohol.
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Wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning to protect against scrapes and irritant plant sap.
Troubleshooting Issues After Pruning
With proper technique, you shouldn’t encounter many issues. But here’s what to do if you notice:
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Lack of regrowth – Ensure you left some healthy buds intact at the base. Fertilize to stimulate growth. Remove any thick mulch that could be preventing sprouting.
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Dieback of new shoots – This can indicate rot at the base. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Disinfect tools to prevent spread of disease.
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Flopping branches – Allow more space between plants for air circulation. Leave some taller stems when pruning for support. Use stakes if needed on varieties prone to flopping.
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Minimal blooms – Blooms form on new wood, so be sure to prune adequately in spring. Deadheading spent blooms prompts reblooming. Divide congested plants.
When Can You Stop Pruning Russian Sage?
Plan to prune Russian sage every spring in perpetuity. Occasional summer pruning can supplement spring pruning to maintain size and shape.
However, at some point, very old woody plants may no longer be worth the effort to prune extensively. If Russian sage becomes overgrown and flowering declines despite annual pruning, it may be time to replace the plant. Most perennials reach this point after 5-10 years in the garden.
Cutting back Russian sage in spring
Most gardeners will choose to prune their Russian sage in mid-to-late spring to maintain the shape and encourage a great flush of new flowers come late summer. If you want to cut back Russian sage in spring, then the best time to do it is when the new growth begins to appear. At this stage, you can cut old stems back to the lowest set of leaves.
Reese L. Robbins from Just Pure Gardening says that this spring pruning will encourage new growth, control the shape and size of the plant, and ensure you get lots of fantastic blooms each season. He says: ‘Spring pruning allows you to make precise cuts without harming the new tender shoots. It also gives the plant enough time to recover and prepare for a bountiful display of flowers later in the year.’
Another reason to not go out with the pruning shears until spring, rather than heading out to cut back Russian sage in fall, is that the stems can offer beauty in a winter garden. The dried stems of Russian sage, along with many other plants, can provide real visual interest if you are planning a winter garden.
Tina Ho, the founder of Good Plant Care, explains: ‘The stems and seed heads provide winter interest in the garden, adding texture and a delicate, frosted appearance after snowfalls. Waiting till spring also benefits local wildlife, as the seeds serve as a food source for birds during the colder months.’
As well as being beneficial as part of a wildlife garden, the uncut stems are also able to help to insulate the crown of the plant from the worst of the winter weather.
Tina Ho is the co-founder & editor of GoodPlantCare.com. She got her first Philodendron in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the green foliage. Her house is now filled with more than 100 houseplants, mostly aroids (Philodendrons, Alocasia, Anthurium) and Sansevieria.
It is common to cut back old stems when new growth appears in Spring( credit: Alamy/blickwinkel)
When should I cut back Russian sage?
Russian sage is a great option for any drought tolerant planting ideas or if you want to try xeriscaping as part of your backyard ideas. But you may wonder, when do you cut back Russian sage? It can be done in fall or spring, so we take a closer look at the advantages of both to help you decide when to prune your Russian sage.
Russian sage has highly aromatic flowers( credit: Future)
How to Prune Russian Sage in Spring
FAQ
Should I cut back Russian sage in the spring?
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Timing:The best time to prune Russian sage is in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.
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Why prune in spring?Russian sage flowers on new wood, so pruning back the old stems in spring encourages the plant to produce new, healthy stems that will flower in the summer.
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How to prune:
- Cut back the old stems to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) above the ground.
- Remove any dead or damaged stems.
- You can also remove any skinny twigs that won’t support strong new growth.
- Cut back the old stems to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) above the ground.
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Benefits of pruning:
- Promotes strong, healthy growth.
- Encourages more blooms.
- Keeps the plant looking tidy and well-shaped.
- Promotes strong, healthy growth.
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Winter interest:You can leave the stems standing through the winter for winter interest, but be sure to prune them back in the spring.
Does Russian sage grow on old wood?
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Semi-woody perennial:Russian sage is a perennial that has woody stems, but it’s not a true shrub.
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Flowers on new growth:Russian sage flowers on new stems that emerge in spring, so pruning back the old stems in the spring encourages new growth and more flowers.
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Pruning:
- You can prune Russian sage in late winter or early spring.
- Cut back the stems to about 8-12 inches (or a foot) to encourage new growth.
- Remove any dead or damaged wood.
- Consider cutting back a few of the oldest stems close to the soil to encourage strong young shoots.
- You can prune Russian sage in late winter or early spring.
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Benefits of pruning:
- Promotes bushier growth and more flowers.
- Helps prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
- Maintains a healthy, attractive plant.
- Promotes bushier growth and more flowers.
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Why prune?
- Russian sage can die back all the way to the ground in cold winters, and new growth emerges from the crown.
- In warmer climates, the plant may become dormant in winter, losing its leaves, and resprouting on the old wood again the next spring.
- Russian sage can die back all the way to the ground in cold winters, and new growth emerges from the crown.
What month do you prune sage?
Prune established sage plants hard in early spring to promote bushy growth and lots of fresh new leaves. If left unpruned, older plants can become straggly and sprawling, with a bare centre.
Does Russian sage need deadheading?
Trimming & Pruning: Deadheading will not affect bloom time for Russian sage, however it should be cut back each year in early spring to approximately 12-15” above the ground. In the winter landscape it is a visual bonus, offering a ghostly, airy appearance on frosty mornings.