Learn the benefits of both options so you can choose when to cut back this hardy perennial
Russian sage is a great perennial plant that is loved by bees and other insects. Russian sage is a great shrub that can handle drought. In late summer and early fall, it has a lot of purple stems that branch out.
Russian sage can grow up to five feet tall, and it needs to be pruned once a year to keep it compact, full of healthy 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. When you decide to finish the job may depend on where you live and what you want to achieve with your garden.
The flowers of Russian sage are a magnet for bees and other pollinators( credit: Getty s/agatchen)
With its misty clouds of blue flowers and silvery foliage, Russian sage (Perovskia) adds a lovely refined texture to gardens and landscapes. But this hardy perennial does require regular pruning to keep it looking its best. Timing and technique are key when pruning these beauties.
In this article, we’ll explore when and how to prune Russian sage in spring for healthiest growth and maximum flowers
Why Prune Russian Sage?
Pruning accomplishes several important tasks:
- Removes dead or damaged growth
- Thins congested clumps
- Shapes the plant
- Encourages new flowering wood
- Keeps growth tidy and compact
Without pruning, Russian sage can become woody, scraggly, and open in the center. Flowering significantly decreases on old wood. Annual pruning rejuvenates these plants.
When to Prune Russian Sage
Russian sage should be pruned once per year in early spring. The timing depends on your climate:
In Cold Climates
For zones 4-6, prune in early spring once new growth starts emerging from the base. This is usually late March to early April.
Pruning too early risks frost damage to tender new shoots. Wait until you see fresh sprouts to prune safely.
In Warm Climates
In zones 7-9, prune anytime from mid-February to mid-March before vigorous new growth starts. Deadline off old stems before new ones crowd them out.
After Last Frost
Regardless of your zone, prune after your area’s average last spring frost date. Avoid pruning if a late freeze threatens. New shoots are tender and can be damaged by frost.
Ideally, prune Russian sage as early as possible in spring while plants are still dormant for best regrowth. Just don’t rush it too far ahead of renewed growth.
How to Prune Russian Sage
Here are two options for pruning Russian sage each spring:
The Easy Hedge Trimmer Method
For a quick tidy up, simply shear the entire plant evenly across the top with electric hedge trimmers. Set blades about 6-12 inches above the ground and trim flat across the top in one pass.
This is the fastest way to prune overgrown or oversized Russian sage shrubs. Just be aware that it removes all flowering stems. Blooms will be reduced, but foliage will be full. Use this approach sparingly.
The Selective Hand Pruning Method
For maximum flowers, prune Russian sage by hand, removing only:
- Dead or damaged stems
- Weak, spindly growth
- Old woody stems (3-4 years or older)
- Crowded intersecting branches
This selective renewal pruning improves air circulation and light exposure. It directs energy into the strongest new flowering stems for best blooms.
Follow these steps for hand pruning Russian sage:
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Cut back all dead or frost damaged stems to 6-8 inches above ground in early spring when new growth first emerges.
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Prune out the oldest, woodiest stems down to the crown every 2-3 years to encourage fresh growth.
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Remove any thin or weak stems and crowded areas to open up interior space.
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Shape and contain overall shrub size if needed.
Hand pruning maximizes next season’s flowers while keeping plants shapely and vigorous. Always disinfect shears between plants to prevent disease spread.
How Much to Prune Off
When hand pruning Russian sage, remove no more than 1/3 of total stems each season. Pruning too severely or too frequently weakens the plant. Stick to only light thinning and shaping yearly.
Here are some pruning height guidelines by region:
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In colder zones 4-6, leave stems 12-15 inches tall to protect emerging buds.
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In moderate zones 7-8, prune back to 10-12 inches above ground.
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In warm zones 9-10, cut back more aggressively to just 6-8 inches tall.
Adjust height based on your local climate. The warmer your region, the lower you can prune. Remove no more than 1/3 of total growth down to these heights.
Tools for Pruning Russian Sage
A pair of sharp bypass hand pruners is ideal for pruning most Russian sage shrubs. Clean shears ensure healthy cuts.
For overgrown, woody plants, use long handled loppers for thicker stems up to 1⁄2 inch diameter. Pruning saws tackle old stems over 1⁄2 inch wide.
Always sterilize tools before and after use. Dip in rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach solution to prevent disease transmission.
Tips for Healthy Russian Sage Plants
Follow these tips all season long for healthy, vigorous Russian sage:
- Prune yearly to rejuvenate plants
- Space plants 2-4 feet apart for air circulation
- Provide full sun and well-drained soil
- Avoid excessive fertilizer which encourages leggy growth
- Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Cut back any frost damaged stems
- Watch for powdery mildew and treat if found
- Water regularly until established, then taper off
With proper annual pruning and care, Russian sage will thrive for years with clouds of refreshing blue flower spikes. Timely renewal pruning is vital for keeping these plants looking their best.
Should Russian sage be cut back every year?
Every year, Russian sage should be pruned to keep the plant small and help it grow strong new growth that will carry the flowers. By cutting back Russian sage, you can keep the plant bushier and full of new growth instead of old, woody stems. This will be beneficial in making sure the plant is healthy and blooms at its best every summer.
When should I cut back Russian sage?
If you want to plant something that can handle drought or try xeriscaping in your backyard, Russian sage is a great choice. When should you cut back Russian sage? You can do it in the fall or the spring. Here are some pros and cons of each 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
How do you prune sage in the spring?
Does Russian sage grow on old wood?
What month do you prune sage?
When should you prune a Russian sage plant?
The timing of pruning is critical for the health of your Russian sage plant. Here are the two main pruning periods you should keep in mind: In early spring, before new growth begins, it is recommended to prune your Russian sage plants.
Should Russian sage be cut back?
Pruning is an important part of Russian sage care. Foliage will not grow at the tops of old woody stems after winter, so cut them back in the spring to remove the bare branches. You can get details on different techniques and step by step help in my guide on pruning Russian sage, but here are a few important things to know.
How do you care for Russian sage?
The primary care is pruning, though even this is optional. As a member of the mint family, the Russian sage spreads by runners and needs to be monitored to keep it out of 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.
Will Russian sage grow back after winter?
It’s also important to know that Russian sage won’t grow back at the tips of the plant after the winter, and the branches die back towards the bottom of the plant. So the dead twigs that are sticking out above the leaves in the spring will be there all summer if you don’t prune it. Related Post:
