How to Prune New Mexico Sage Bushes

Sage bushes that grow in New Mexico have the botanical name of Leucophyllum frutescens and the common names of purple sage, Texas ranger and cenizo. This flowering shrub thrives in the arid regions of New Mexico, featuring silver-colored leaves and white, purple, blue or pink flowers after it rains in the summer. New Mexico sage bushes tend to get leggy and sprawl as they mature. Pruning helps to encourage more compact branch growth and denser foliage.

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Prune leggy or rangy sage bushes heavily during the dormant season. New Mexico gardeners should prune in late winter. This annual pruning promotes denser foliage growth and helps control the size of the sage bush.
- 2
  Follow the natural shape of the sage bush as you prune. The Aggie Horticulture website explains that pruning sage plants according to their natural growth habits produces a more aesthetically appealing shape and healthier, compact growth.
- 3
  Focus on shortening the individual stems and not on pruning out the overall number of stems. Use pruning shears to cut each purple sage stem at a slight angle just above the leaves to promote healthier new growth.
- 4
  Prune New Mexico sage bushes lightly during the growing season. Prune out the leggier branches and weakened wood. A slight pruning enhances branch growth and promotes leaf production.
- 5
  Tip prune new growth as it emerges. Tip pruning also helps to promote foliage and branch growth. Trim off the new branches no more than 2 inches from the tips.
- 6
  Remove diseased or dead purple sage branches whenever you notice them. Discard your sage bush prunings in the trash or your compost heap to avoid contaminating other sage bushes.

How to Prune an Anthony Waterer Spirea

How to Prune Bugambilia Torch Bushes

Shrubs