I'm an author and expert gardener who loves growing ALL of the plants. Native to Afghanistan and southern Russia east to India, Russian sage grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, according to Missouri Botanical Garden. Named cultivars of this plant usually do not produce seeds that "come true" to the parent plant, so seed propagation is not common. Russian sage is a tough plant that needs little care. Here in Vermont we still have plenty of snow ~ its only April. In a few minutes Im going out to prune them as you have recommended!!! Had blooms. Here are two pictures. New transplants need regular watering, but once established, Russian sage is very drought-tolerant. But, the best time for pruning Russian sage is in the spring. You can cut it back all the way down to the ground, prune it for shape, or wait for new growth before pruning it (which is the method I like to use, see the step-by-step instructions below). If the plant is already large, you may need to use a weed whacker or other tool to cut it down. However, it prefers a well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Russian sage has an airy, see-through quality that works best when planted en masse, though it also can be an effective specimen plant in mixed borders. Voted the Perennial of the Year in 1995 by the Perennial Plant Association, Russian Sage, aka Perovskia atriplicifolia, has been providing drought-tolerant lavender beauty to American gardens for many years. 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. When the pure species is sold, it is usually Perovskia atriplicifolia that is offered. However, it is not a problem in residential or urban settings. Using a sharp knife or trowel, cut away one of the growing stems along the edges of the root ball, making sure to capture a healthy section of roots along with the growing stem. Hummm, Im not sure what that could be. Lower leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and deeply lobed (Figure 1). Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season. They both re sprout from the extensive root system. The best part is that you dont have to worry about over doing it, you cant kill a Russian sage shrub by over-pruning. Plants are especially susceptible to wet winter soil. If you want your Russian sage to stop spreading, then I recommend digging up the runners that it sends out below the ground. I am wondering if I need to prune my Feather Grass (pony tails) or Russian sage back, and when is the best time? Help! Ok I need some humanely advice on my "birdly" situation. I want my russian sage to be smaller. In extremely cold winters, it's not uncommon for Russian sage to perish, even if protected with mulch. Aside from being tolerant of dry soils, it also prefers full sun and reduced summer moisture. They keep coming back. If youre trying to stop Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) from spreading, the best thing to do is to remove the flowers before they go to seed. Be sure to follow the directions on the herbicide label and take care not to damage other plants in your garden. If you have a large shrub, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to make pruning easier. Have tried roundup it just killed pines around them. Not to be outdone by its flowers, the plant's stems and foliage make a strong statement of their own, perhaps even outstripping the floral display as the chief reason to grow the bush, A graceful perennial with silver stems (so chalky in appearance they sometimes seem to be white) and feathery, silvery leaves, Russian sage plants can reach a height of four to five feet with a spread of three feet or greater if you do not prune them annually. You do not have to separate the seeds from the chaff but you will need to give the seeds a cold period. The next best is to aerate the lime into the soil,fertilize heavy,drill grass seed thick, and pray for rain. How do I kill Russian Sage and this weed (picture) forever?! When young, the plants tend to flop over. It flowers on new growth. The stem is woody and extremely hard to cut through. The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks. A tough, vigorous perennial, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) has a reputation for thriving where no other plants will grow. The leaves can act like an insulation layer to . I pulled it out last year and it seemed to kill half the plant.it is bigger now and the plant seems to have shrunk. Whatever garden pruning tools you use, just be sure they are always cleaned and sharpened before you start cutting. It needs adequate sun to grow well and bloom. Hurray! In the wild, this shrub may be invasive. In the past six weeks, Russia has increased its military deployments surrounding Ukraine, threatening action if the United States . Its long, slender stems and slender leaves will add drama to your garden. Wear protective clothing, such as goggles, long pants and long-sleeve shirt. Despite its name, the plant is a subshrub that grows from a woody base. Treat the plant with an herbicide to kill it, using a product that contains prodiamine. I have Russian sage in a perennial area. I did not know there were different varieties! The best time to plant is late spring when the soil is warm and the weather is not too hot. Pull the suckers out manually and put them into the trash. The active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, inhibits an enzyme called EPSP synthase. This material on pruning Russian Sage is terrific. Therefore, it's best to move potted Russian sage plants to a sheltered location after cutting them back for the winter. Potted plants will require this every couple of years. Upper leaves are smaller, generally with smooth margins, but can . It sounds to me like your Russian sage isnt getting enough water. New growth is popping up feet from the original square garden plot intended. If youre growing Russian sage plant (Perovskia atriplicifolia) in your garden, then you know how bad they can look after the winter. When theyre small, the new leaves are very delicate and can break off easily, so be careful. Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. In regions where the plant is evergreen, you can selectively cut back dead or under-performing stems as they identify themselves in mid-spring. It does spread gradually through runners and rhizomes, but it is not a difficult matter to control its spread. I cut my Russian Sage down to nearly the ground in fall after a hard freeze. At most, you might provide a light layer of compost in the spring. These aromatic plants tend to repel most common insects, and the only significant disease is root rot which can occur if the plants are growing in wet, poorly draining soil. So the dead twigs that are sticking out above the leaves in the spring will be there all summer if you dont prune it. Step 3: Remove any dead branches If you find dead branches that dont have any new leaves on them, you can cut those down to the ground. Perennial plants such as Russian sage always offer some challenges for gardeners in cold-winter regions, as the exposed roots can be more prone to winter kill. Taking cuttings of this perennial is easy and convenient. To prevent it from becoming invasive, consider using a container. Russian sage is a graceful perennial with feathery silver leaves. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in winter, in early spring. The other option is using a non selective herbicide. This plant is different from the sage typically used as a culinary seasoning (Salvia officinalis). In fact, you want to be aggressive with large shrubs. Roundup QuikPRO. Last was on my hanging fern. Overwater your Russian sage plant to induce bad health and root rot. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. When the flower sepals turn brown and dry, the tiny seeds are about 1/32 " in diameter. I want to kill all my Russian Sage but not my Pines or Maple trees near it. The primary care is pruning, though even this is optional. This is not a problem, but staking them is a good idea. Once established, Russian sage is drought-tolerant. How To Deadhead Petunias By Pinching & Pruning, How To Prune Chives & Deadhead The Flowers, How To Prune Tomatoes For Maximum Production, How To Prune A Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia), Terms Of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. If you want to get rid of Russian sage runners, there are a few things you can do. The poor plant was bombarded with poop. Russian SagePerovskia atriplicifolia. Blooming from midsummer into fall, it attracts butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. All those dead branches leave your plant looking ugly and half dead. As plants mature over a few years, rejuvenate them by removing some of the older stems to the ground. Missouri Botanical Garden. Ranger Pro Herbicide. I thought maybe a rabbit was burrowing in my yard, but it's almost dead center of my lawn (not a very smart rabbit). Your email address will not be published. Shoots, or stems, are erect, 18 to 36 inches tall, with many branches. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender flowers throughout the summer and into fall. How do you cut back Russian sage? This provides a very well informed summary. Prepare to use a chemical herbicide that contains glyphosate to kill sage grass. If you do want to plant Russian sage in your yard, you can do it yourself. Thank you, Amy. I dont recommend using poisons. "Washington is gung-ho for a new Cold War. Just remember to prune away dead stems, which stick out like sore thumbs and look ugly. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. Grow it in the perennial border, xeriscape garden, and theme gardens such as Mediterranean and Tuscan gardens. Plant this tough perennial in well-draining soil. The weed looks like it might be sumac. Discard the roots in the trash, not your compost heap, or the plant may begin growing again. Provide supplemental water during the first year after planting. She is a former Clemson University Extension Agent. Russian knapweed ( Acroptilon repens) is a creeping, herbaceous perennial of foreign origin that reproduces from seed and vegetative root buds. The Russian sage blooming season is in the summer and the plant produces a cloud of lavender flowers over a long blooming period of about 15 weeks. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a semi-woody ground. You can unsubscribe at any time. This plant grows by underground roots. ALL CONTENT FOUND ON THIS WEBSITE IS COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS AND ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Reply to William. It is useful in container gardening, and a single plant in a large container brings color and fragrance to patios, decks and terraces. Do Deer Eat Rhododendron? As a result, you can grow Russian sage in your yard. It is not pretty for Russia but I don't think it matters to this question. Since you cant over-prune a Russian sage bush, you dont have to worry about exactly where to make your cuts. Be aware though that this will kill any plant the hot water also comes in contact with. Is there a sure-fire way to get rid of Creeping Charley? What is the best way to use this plant in the landscape? Russian sage, or Perovskia, is a late summer blooming perennial that bursts into flower like a cloud of blue. But that's a bad old idea," WP's Katrina vanden Heuvel, WP, 08.09.22. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/seed-stratification.htm. If you are planting them outdoors, they will grow more vigorously if theyre placed in the sun. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in. 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