How to Deadhead Russian Sage

A hardy, drought-resistant native of Afghanistan and Tibet, Russian sage adds long-lasting lavender-purple flower plumes and unique fragrance to any perennial bed. Russian sage is a small, semi-woody deciduous shrub with silver-gray stems and leaves, sometimes delicate and finely cut. Herbaceous stems are square, making Russian sage instantly recognizable as a member of the mint family, though older stems are woody. By late summer plants produce multiple 12- to 15-inch spires or plumes of tiny flowers that generally last two or three months.

Things You'll Need

Bypass-style hand pruners, sharpened

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off or deadhead the flower plumes of Russian sage before the plants have the chance to set seed. In very warm climates plants may produce another wave of flower plumes. Deadheading directs plant energy back to flowering.
- 2
  Prune plants just below the bulk of the flower plumes, cutting through all stalks. Remove the flower plumes and compost them.
- 3
  Deadhead the plants again before winter -- again removing only the flower plumes -- if plants bloom again. The goal is to simply remove spent flowers, not stimulate new growth.
- 4
  Cut back plants in later winter or early spring, pruning them to just six inches above the ground, to encourage new growth -- because Russian sage blooms only on the current year's growth.

Do Hollyhocks Bloom the First Year?

How to Care for Blue Liriope

Growing Perennials