How to Prune a Sage Bush

Among sage plants (Salvia species), you find annuals and perennials. Regardless of how long the plant lives, both groups have sages that are mostly fragrant, drought tolerant, and hold their flowers for an extended period. The plants also grow quickly, especially annual varieties, some of which reach a full height of 5 feet in only one season. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Sage requires pruning for rejuvenation, tidiness and repeat blooming.

Things You'll Need

• Shears

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Prune sage flower stalks bearing faded blossoms back to the base to encourage continuous blooming.

   • 2

     Remove dead and old woody stems after perennial sages begin to grow again in early spring.

   • 3

     Trim individual sage stems above a leaf node to shape the plant the way you want it to look. New growth starts from the node below the cut.

   • 4

     Cut an entire perennial sage to the ground when it is mostly thick woody stems with little new growth. Hard pruning done in early spring or after blooming rejuvenates the plant.