Should Russian Sage Be Cut Back in the Spring?

Cutting Back Procedure

• The vigorous, woody stems of Russian sage do not die back to the ground in fall, but they can be left on the plant until spring, when they need some attention to keep them tidy. Pruning is particularly important if the plant is in partial shade, where it sends out long, leggy stems that have a tendency to flop under the weight of their flowers. Spring pruning or cutting back encourages more stems to grow and a bushy growing habit. The most prolific flowering is produced on new growth. Cutting back in spring before buds appear is the preferred method. Cut the plant to the ground, just above the crown or lowest bud. The crown is where the plant's roots and stems join.

Pinching Technique

• "Pinching back" with fingertips in spring as the Russian sage grows and its leaf buds begin to unfurl benefits the plant. Pinch back the dominant buds, but cease pinching before the plant blooms. Pinching removes only a small amount of the plant and eliminates only the top set of leaves on growing tips. Pinching encourages bushy, healthy growth. It also can be used to stagger the blooms on the plant, extending the flowering season. Simply pinch the tips on the front of the plant, and your Russian sage will have abundant, long-lasting blooms.

Varieties

• Several Russian sage cultivars exist, suiting different purposes in a garden. Russian sage “Little Spire” (Perovskia atriplicifolia “Little Spire”) grows to 2 feet tall, a mid-height plant for a flower border. It has violet flowers and silvery foliage. Russian sage “Filigran” (Perovskia atriplicifolia “Filigran”) has lacy foliage and pale-blue flowers. It grows to 3 feet tall. Russian sage “Longin” (Perovskia atriplicifolia “Longin”) has deeper blue flowers that bloom over a long period and 2-inch-long, lacy leaves. The plant reaches 4 feet in height. Russian sage “Blue Spire” (Perovskia atriplicifolia “Blue Spire”) has deep-violet-blue florets and reaches 3 feet tall.

Further Culture

• Russian sage should be planted in a warm and sunny location in well-draining garden soil. If planted in shade, it grows leggy as its leafy stems seek the sun. It is not a fussy plants. In heavy, clay soil, however, it benefits from peat moss or compost being mixed into its soil to loosen the soil and to add nutrients. Newly planted Russian sage does not need regular watering once established. As the growing season progresses, ease up on the watering. As long as the soil retains some moisture, the plant won't show signs of thirst. Russian sage is heat- and drought-tolerant and not prone to disease. It is a low-maintenance perennial.