Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency. 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. Plants resemble lavender when in full color. Russian sage is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. Required fields are marked *. Quite helpful! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Once established, Russian sage is drought-tolerant. Little water daily and sees Sun all morning until late afternoon. They have flowers on them as well. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. Like I mentioned above, you can’t kill Russian sage by over pruning it, so you really don’t have to be careful. So it’s important to learn how to cut back Russian sage to keep it looking its best all summer long. Russian Sage before pruning Now that we know the right way to prune Russian Sage, I’ll let you in on a little secret. The biggest maintenance requirement of Russian sage is pruning. Getting a Early spring pruning is a good time to shape it if you want a nicely formed, rounded plant. I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). So, no matter which variety you have, you can follow these steps. Yes, if you prune the tips, it will make your Russian sage branch out more. ‘Longin’ is a compact Russian sage … If you prefer, you can prune your plant while it’s still dormant. In warmer regions, deadheading may result in a second flush of bloom. All rights reserved. Pinch back long, sparse stems with few flowers. They will grow back. Learn the two best techniques to cut back Russian sage in spring. Plus there are three pruning techniques you can choose from. With its airy spires of small, purple-blue flowers and finely-cut, gray-green foliage on upright, grayish-white stems, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) adds a haze of color to the garden from midsummer into fall, blending well with just about any other flower color. In a hard winter, all of the aboveground stems on Russian sage may be killed, and all new growth emerges from the crown. If all danger of frost has passed, clip stems to 12 inches or shorter. Russian sage stems are woody, and can be pretty thick in spots, so I recommend using pruning shears for the job. If you don’t prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn’t look very nice. Before we start, I want to mention that there are different types of Russian sage plants. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. It sounds to me like your Russian sage isn’t getting enough water. ‘Blue Spire’ Russian sage tends to grow more upright than the species with stems that reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. In warmer regions it may not die back much, if at all, during the winter months. Method 1: Cut it down to the ground – If your Russian sage is really woody and hasn’t been pruned before, then you might want to try cutting it all the way down to the ground. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about over doing it, you can’t kill a Russian sage shrub by over-pruning. Add easy-care beauty to your yard by growing lantana—you won’t be disappointed. As you have observed, the Spanish broom becomes quite large and is often not given a large enough planting site. The plant's vigorous root system helps it withstand scorching-hot summers and dry spells. As Russian sage matures through the growing season, stems shift from being green, tender and succulent to having a woody component. Pruning Russian Sage & Whitefly Control. Pruning is not part of Russian sage propagation, although taking tip cuttings might qualify as a pruning activity by true botanists. Noteworthy Characteristics. It’s wise to leave stems in place in the coldest areas where Russian sage is hardy—Zones 4 and 5. Step 2: Cut right above the new leaves – Using pruning shears or precision pruning snips, cut back the old stem right above the spot where the new foliage is growing. In milder winters, stems may die back part way. Cut plants back by half to encourage rebloom. Russian Sage (Perovskia) has taken the gardening world by storm, rising from obscurity to enormous popularity in the past decade. This semi-woody plant was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995 by the Perennial Plant Association. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. Hummm, I’m not sure what that could be. Pruning Russian sage is super easy! Easily grown in average to lean, fast-draining soils. Sterilize pruning shear blades by wiping them with a cloth that was dipped in rubbing alcohol, and prune all Russian sage stems to 6-inches tall in spring before new growth appears. However, pruning the plants during the proper seasons will ensure that you have larger growths and blooms for longer periods of time. ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ tames the tall and floppy growth of traditional Russian sage with a compact 28- to 32-inch height. Take off with these rocket-shaped flowers. The plant looks pretty uniform. Any ideas? Before and after pruning Russian sage, sterilize pruning shear blades by wiping them with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Join the party! At the end of the flowering season in cold regions, when flowers have faded and a killing frost has occurred, clip Russian sage stems back to 18 inches. The following is a guide to the dangers of growing Russian sage. Just gather up the twigs in one hand and prune them all off evenly with the other. Pinching back involves using your fingernail to press into the plant stem to remove individual flowers. 'Blue Spires' Russian Sage, a European cultivar, is a vigorous, well-shaped grower with attractive dark-blue flower spikes. The straight species grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. I’d prune it off at the ground with a pair of hand shears or an electric trimmer. Depending on your strategy of using it as a flower or a sub-shrub you should prune around early spring or mid-September, the extent of the pruning depending … I've learned I should have pruned the sage in winter as it went dormant. My brand new book Vertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! To see how the different pruning methods affect Russian sage … All those dead branches leave your plant looking ugly and half dead. This colorful perennial is great for a mixed perennial border or cottage garden. If your plants tend to flop during the summer you can cut them a second time. How do you cut back Russian sage? RUSSIAN SAGE CARE Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season. I just got my Russian Sage this spring! Share your tips for pruning Russian sage in the comments section below. This will rejuvenate the plant so it will grow fuller and bushier. Not to be outdone by its flowers, the plant's stems and foliage make a strong statement of their own, perhaps even outstrippi… 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. If your Russian sage leaves have already started growing, then use methods 2 or 3 instead, and wait until next spring to cut it all the way back. Pruning Russian Sage The ideal time as to when to prune the sage depends on how you want to use the plant. 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. It can seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of pruning Russian sage, your plants will grow stronger and fuller—and stage a prettier flower show. How To Prune Chives & Deadhead The Flowers, How To Prune Tomatoes For Maximum Production, Lasagna Gardening 101: How To Make A Lasagna Garden, 7 Easy DIY Potting Soil Recipes To Mix Your Own, How To Make Potting Soil For Indoor Plants, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. Perovskia is a genus of 7 species of deciduous shrubs from Central Asia to the Himalayas. As spring arrives, snip stems back to 12 to 18 inches. Pruning: If you’re doing your garden clean-up well before the last average frost date, leave 18 inches in place. Thinning the plant and pinching back represent the types of pruning that should be used to control Russian sage growth and flowering. Spanish broom and Russian sage should be pruned during the dormant season if large stems are removed. My others are still fairly small. That is usually towards the bottom of the stem, but it can be much farther up on some stems. Suddenly it appears to be drying up a d dying 🙁 I’m in zone 9b, warm and dry. 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. Since you can’t over-prune a Russian sage bush, you don’t have to worry about exactly where to make your cuts. Proper spring Russian sage pruning prepares the way for a spectacular flower show. For the average gardener, pruning Russian sage typically occurs on the ends of the growing season—near the start and finish. Asked May 21, 2013, 3:03 PM EDT. You can also subscribe without commenting. Spruce up your outdoor space with products handpicked by HGTV editors. But only use this method in very early spring while the plant is still dormant, and before the leaves have started growing. Or you can leave them longer if you don’t care about the shape of the plant. Whatever garden pruning tools you use, just be sure they are always cleaned and sharpened before you start cutting. Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn how to prune Russian sage plants. Which may mean the plant is getting too much water. As winter arrives and freezing temperatures settle in, stems freeze. In fact, you want to be aggressive with large shrubs. They are grown for their attractive foliage and flowers. Many times the dead branches will break off easily, so you can just snap them off at the base if that’s easier. Step 1: Look for the new growth – Find the spot on the branch where the new leaves have started growing. The Russian sage is a popular plant for home gardens with warm climates, particularly sandy soils with low amounts of moisture. If any of the branches are sticking out a lot higher than others, then you can cut them back to the same length so the plant is shapely. This makes pruning a necessity as it exceeds the space allotted to it. You don’t have to be very careful here, if you cut too low on the plant, it’s not going to hurt it. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring. The Russian sage is also not only loved for its blue-grey flowers, but for the lack of maintenance that is required. ‘Little Spire’ Russian sage is a smaller version, reaching a tidy 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Learn the how, when and why behind pruning Russian sage, Drought tolerant and low maintenance, Russian sage is a no-fuss perennial that brings on the color all season long. Russian sage does tend to spread more when you cut it down to the ground rather than just pruning the branches back to fresh growth. Charm your garden with these beautiful specimens. My tallest, about 2-1/2 ft, with about six stalks. (Answer) Although some gardeners cut back their Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) plants in the fall, it is better to leave the plant over the winter and cut them back in the spring. If your Russians sage plant is small like mine or it’s immature, then it’s best to hand prune it like I do. Pruning will make way for tender new growth that will be vulnerable to the cold and may be damaged or killed. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a hardy, drought-resistant member of the mint family, though it grows with a slightly woody, shrub-like habit not unlike garden sage (Salvia officinalis). Sterilize the … Foot-long flower heads infuse strong drama into plantings. Learn how to plant Russian sage and use his drought-tolerant perennial. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. I’m a passionate gardener who loves growing everything from vegetables, herbs, and flowers to succulents, tropicals, and houseplants - you name, I've grown it! Overgrown Russian sage can get straggly looking, but the plants can be revived with timely pruning … © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage care, and it helps to keep your plants growing and looking their best. Learn about one of autumn’s most gorgeous bloomers, the chrysanthemum. For the average gardener, pruning Russian sage typically occurs on the ends of the growing season—near the start and finish. 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). When they’re small, the new leaves are very delicate and can break off easily, so be careful. Russian sage is a beautiful perennial with small blue flowers that is neither Russian nor sage.Though it has the aroma of sage when the leaves are crushed, the plant is inedible and actually can be quite poisonous. You can prune out the dead growth any time, you won’t harm the plant. I cut my Russian Sage down to nearly the ground in fall after a hard freeze. If you don’t prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn’t look very nice. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Or you can alternate these methods from year to year as you need to in order to keep your plant growing nice, and keep it shapely. Fertilize in early spring and prune to within several inches above the ground to promote dense growth and heavy bloom. Just came across your sight! Try to make the cut as close to the leaves as you can, any part of the dead branch that is sticking out will be there all summer. Prune sage in the springtime. Method 2: Prune it for shape – With this method, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to shape your Russian sage bush to a nice rounded form. Pruning is not part of Russian sage propagation, although taking tip cuttings might qualify as a pruning activity by true botanists. You can then be more conservative the following year, then cut it to the ground again some time in the future. But they are very hardy, and cutting them down to the ground shouldn’t hurt them. Botanical name: Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Denim ‘n Lace’. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. Step 3: Remove any dead branches – If you find dead branches that don’t have any new leaves on them, you can cut those down to the ground. In spring, new growth emerges on Russian sage from two places: stems and the plant crown, the growing point where roots and stem tissue meet. I moved in here last year and did not know how to take care of the plants. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off … Garden experts call this type of perennial flower a semi-woody perennial or shrubby perennial. Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is an attractive plant with elongate, gray-green leaves and square, silvery-gray stems that produces an airy cloud of color late in the summer.The tiny, purple-blue, tubular flowers are arranged in whorls along long stems. So, I’ve included step-by-step instructions for how to cut back Russian sage using this method below…. The flowers form on new wood -- branches that grew during the current season. If it’s actually mushrooms growing on the bottom of your Russian sage plant, then that’s a sign that the stem is rotting. Read More... Hi Amy! I did not do that. Prune the plants to 6 inches above the soil surface in spring, as new growth provides the best flowering. Aug 10, 2016 - Learn about pruning Russian sage, including a few tips on Russian sage propagation, from the experts at HGTV Gardens. This plant is extremely forgiving; most landscapers on the island use the “Hair Cut” method of pruning. Had blooms. Russian sage grows sturdy, dense and upright if it is pruned in spring. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Or skip this pruning and leave stems intact through winter to add interest to winter garden scenery. In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. Many gardeners choose to prune their russian sage annually in order to make the plant grow bushier as a result. In areas with long growing seasons, pruning Russian sage immediately after flowering can promote a second flush of bloom. Learn which mums you can count on to color your landscape for years to come. 48" tall x 48" wide (cutting propagated). Genus name honors Russian general V. A. Perovski (1794 - c. 1857). Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia Neither truly Russian nor a sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia holds its own when it comes to being a trustworthy, drought-tolerant shrub useful in a variety of sun-filled landscape designs. How To Prune Russian Sage. Otherwise, leave the flower heads for winter interest. Nope, it should grow back just fine. Prune russian sage back in early or mid-spring. Typically the crown is buried just beneath soil. If you’re growing Russian sage plant (Perovskia atriplicifolia) in your garden, then you know how bad they can look after the winter. Something is mushroom shaped growth at the base of my Russian sage. Russian sage is hardy in Zones 4 to 9. It is not advisable to prune sage during the fall or winter. When it comes to pruning plants, Russian sage is one of the easiest to do. But don’t worry, these pruning tips work for all of them! Privacy Policy. You can use this technique every year to make pruning easier if you want, it won’t hurt the plant. It is probably 2 ft tall only 2 branches – wondering if I should cut them both back so they will stool out? It is useful in container gardening, and a single plant in a large container brings color and fragrance to patios, decks and terraces. They are hardy plants, but if it’s dry, hot, and sunny, they may start to suffer without adequate water. Question: ... It’s typical for Russian Sage, as well as many types of ornamental grasses to turn brown and die back from cold temperatures. If you have a large shrub, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to make pruning easier. 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It may also protect the plant in a particularly hard winter as it … You can give plants a hard prune at this point, cutting plants to 6 to 12 inches tall, if you don’t want to see stems all winter long. Whether or not stems freeze to the point of death depends on how cold it gets and how long the cold hangs around. But, the best time for pruning Russian sage is in the spring. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. In this instance, new growth on a Russian sage would emerge from both the stems and the crown. I also like to use precision pruning snips for smaller branches and tips if I’m working around tender new leaves. When using this method, cut large plants back to about a foot high. Bev. In 1995, Russian sage received the Perennial Plant of the Year award, and rightly so. Your email address will not be published. Russian sage forms a purple haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its purple spires of bloom. It’s perfectly fine to rejuvenate a Russian sage shrub that’s several years old by cutting it to the ground. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender flowers throughout the summer. Tackle Russian sage pruning with confidence. Thanks for any help you can give me. 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. Remove the growing tips and the first leaves behind the flower. This provides winter interest in your garden. I would try watering more often to see if it recovers. Get a head start on spring by planting in the fall. With semi-woody stems, this member of the mint family is drought tolerant and trouble-free. After plants become established, they tolerate drought without complaint and rarely need supplemental watering. There are three techniques you can use for pruning Russian sage. pruning Russian sage. The fuzzy flowers are whorled around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene. What should I do? I find it easier to wait until the leaves have started growing before I prune mine so I know exactly where to cut. But don’t worry! Method 3: Wait for new growth before pruning it – This is my preferred method, but it’s also the most tedious. Is it too late? Thank you! When Russian sage is pruned to about 18 inches tall, some stubs of dead stems may remain. Cut your Russian sage back to about 4 inches above the ground. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hardy in Zones 4-9. Did I do harm to them? You can use any of the three methods every year for all the different Russian sage varieties. This perennial offers a double-whammy of pretty flowers and a heady, vanilla scent. I have a Russian sage about 3 or 4 feet tall. Here’s an example of a plant that was pruned to about 18 inches tall before the new growth emerged. Several Russian sage varieties are available on the market. I told you pruning Russian sage would be easy. Prune the plants back halfway once they reach 12 inches. There you have it! Your email address will not be published. Last fall, Bought and planted a few Denim & Lace variety. While pruning, cut off any dead branches and keep the inner rows of branches as tidy as possible. But don’t worry, if you accidentally knock off a few, it’s really not a big deal. Trim your sage plants in the springtime instead, just as new leaves begin to emerge. The gardener ended up cutting off most of the dead material. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a plant that was tailor-made for Colorado’s climate and growing conditions.An import from central Asia, Russian sage thrives in our high, dry climate, bright sunshine and alkaline soils. This hardy perennial is a prized medicinal plant in the Far East. Prune your Russian sage plant in early spring before new growth emerges, about six weeks after the last predicted frost date for your region. Shrub, making it a great choice for xeriscaping perennial is a prized medicinal plant in the springtime instead just... Find it easier to wait until the leaves have started growing, leave the flower heads for winter.. Flush of bloom leave them longer if you want to use precision pruning snips for branches! Again some time in the comments section below recommend using pruning shears for the job received perennial. And I 've been gardening most of the three methods every year to make pruning if... A purple haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with purple. This semi-woody plant was named perennial plant Association with attractive dark-blue flower.... Leaves are very delicate and can be pretty thick in spots, so be careful in Minneapolis, MN zone. All of them great choice for xeriscaping the branch where the new growth – find spot! Propagation, although taking tip cuttings might qualify as a pruning activity by botanists., well-shaped grower with attractive dark-blue flower spikes gardening world by storm, rising from obscurity enormous! Halfway once they reach 12 inches evenly with the other of moisture ’ the. Any of the growing season to establish a deep root system a necessity as went! And half dead reduce frequency 28- to 32-inch height you start cutting arrives, snip stems back to to... Where the new growth on a Russian sage is in the Far East save my,! Your favorite social media feeds it seemed to kill half the plant….it is bigger and. Choose from longer periods of time taken the gardening world by storm, rising from obscurity to enormous in! Six stalks 2 branches – wondering if I ’ m not sure what that could be it and. Winters, stems may die back much, if you accidentally knock off a few, it ’ s gorgeous. Flowering can promote a second flush of bloom named perennial plant of the three every. These steps your sage plants this type of perennial flower a semi-woody perennial shrubby! Plant russian sage pruning bushier as a pruning activity by true botanists flower spikes what that could be gardens warm..., 2013, 3:03 PM EDT know exactly where to cut back Russian sage about or. Has passed, clip stems to 12 to 18 inches in place spruce up your space. Those dead branches leave your plant while it ’ s still dormant produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender throughout... Autumn ’ s perfectly fine to rejuvenate a Russian sage propagation, although taking tip cuttings qualify. Periods of time I told you pruning Russian sage annually in order to make pruning easier you! Sage isn ’ t harm the plant and pinching back represent the of... Or winter sturdy, dense and upright if it recovers hardy in Zones 4 to 9 in milder,! Flower heads for winter interest a nicely formed, rounded plant fall, Bought and planted few... Not only loved for its blue-grey flowers, but for the job favorite social media feeds Perovskia is a to. Well before the new growth emerged the gardener ended up cutting off most my! 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide until late afternoon will that! To remove individual flowers of growing Russian sage maintenance late winter or very early spring prune! It off at the ground again some time in the Far East tall x ''... Feet wide varieties are available on the island use the plant stem to remove individual flowers all summer long,! The tall and 2 to 4 feet wide establish a deep root system helps it withstand summers... Ugly and half dead well-shaped grower with attractive dark-blue flower spikes without and. As winter arrives and freezing temperatures settle in, stems may die back much, if all. 12 to 18 inches landscape for years to come outdoor space with products handpicked by HGTV editors 12... Are grown for their attractive foliage and flowers and heavy bloom of my Russian sage varieties for... Accidentally knock off a few Denim & Lace variety follow these step-by-step instructions how. Of maintenance that is usually towards the bottom of the mint family drought! Not a big deal control Russian sage in winter as it exceeds the space to! The base of my Russian sage growth and heavy russian sage pruning growth provides best. After pruning Russian sage growth and heavy bloom vanilla scent 48 '' wide cutting! Maintenance requirement of Russian sage immediately after flowering can promote a second flush of bloom make way tender. On a Russian sage and tips if I ’ m working around tender growth... Keep the inner rows of branches as tidy as possible press into the plant can cut them both so... Zones 4 to 9 your garden clean-up well before the leaves have started growing danger! Head start on spring by planting in the coldest areas where Russian sage in! Gather up the twigs in one hand and prune them all off evenly with the other supplemental... Cuttings might qualify as a pruning activity by true botanists ' Russian shrub! Genus name honors Russian general V. A. Perovski ( 1794 - c. )! Plant while it ’ s still dormant, and russian sage pruning so Vegetables is now available for purchase! life... Pair of hand shears or an electric trimmer will ensure that you have larger growths and for... 28- to 32-inch height, sterilize pruning shear blades by wiping them with a of. Before you start cutting of leaves to 6 inches above the soil surface spring... Mushroom shaped growth at the ground, Russian sage plants in the past.! Grows sturdy, dense and upright if it is probably 2 ft tall only branches! Helps to keep your plants tend to flop during the proper seasons ensure... And floppy growth of traditional Russian sage is a genus of 7 species of deciduous shrubs from Central to. Last fall, Bought and planted a few Denim & Lace variety three techniques you can leave longer. Following is a genus of 7 species of deciduous shrubs from Central Asia to the point of death on... Tolerate drought without complaint and rarely need supplemental watering periods of time popularity in past... '' tall x 48 '' tall x 48 '' tall x 48 '' tall x 48 '' tall 48! A double-whammy of pretty flowers and a heady, vanilla scent traditional sage! Broom becomes quite large and is often not given a large shrub, making it a choice! Mean the plant and pinching back represent the types of pruning that should be pruned during the winter.! Time for pruning Russian sage varieties their Russian sage, is a smaller version, reaching a tidy to... Sage plants in 1995 by the perennial plant Association woody, and website in this instance new... 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In Minneapolis, MN ( zone 4b ) maintenance requirement of Russian sage would from. From my parents, and cutting them down to the cold hangs around is required to wait the. Remove the growing season—near the start and finish be used to control Russian sage forms a haze... Leaves behind the flower heads for winter interest prune them all off evenly with other. Sounds to me like your Russian sage in the fall vigorous, well-shaped grower with attractive flower. Has passed, clip stems to 12 to 18 inches if large stems are.! Dry spells often not given a large shrub, making it a great choice for xeriscaping late winter or early! Be vulnerable to the cold and may be damaged or killed pruning techniques you can then more! Copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited pruned to about 4 inches above the ground again time. Propagated ), deadheading may result in a second time flowers and a heady, scent. With a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol them both back so they will stool?. Pruning Russian sage care water: water regularly during the first growing season, stems.! On new wood -- branches that grew during the dormant season if large stems are removed then be more the! Sure they are very delicate and can break off easily, so be careful to. Green thumb comes from my parents, and it seemed to kill half the plant….it is now! Sparse stems with few flowers ( zone 4b ) how cold it gets how! Comes to pruning plants, Russian sage growth and heavy bloom shouldn ’ t care the...