When to Prune a Silverado Sage?

Winter Pruning

• Late winter or very early spring provides the best time for major pruning. "Silverado," although evergreen, is semi-dormant at this time and hasn't begun to put on new growth. The plant also hasn't formed its flower buds yet, so pruning won't diminish summer blooming. Although you can prune "Silverado" lightly at any time of year, late winter is the prime time for any major pruning to ensure plant health and prevent damage to new growth.

Pruning Frequency

• "Silverado" only asks for infrequent pruning. It benefits from severe pruning if the shrub becomes leggy, overgrown or puts on sparse foliage. You can cut it back by up to a third of its height and width without any damage. Badly overgrown or weak shrubs may survive more severe pruning to up to two-thirds the plant's height, but its better to prune it back slowly over two or three years until it's at the desired size. A healthy, full "Silverado" can go years between major trimming without any ill effects.

Maintenance and Tip Pruning

• Tip pruning just removes the new growing tips and encourages branching a fuller bush. It's only necessary if the "Silverado" is experiencing sparse growth or poor branching. Prune back the tips to the topmost leaf or bud just as the new growth erupts in early spring. You can trim out dead or damaged wood at any time of year without compromising the sage's health. The plant flowers in midsummer to late summer. Pruning off the spent flowers improves the plant's appearance but isn't necessary for health or future blooming.

Tools

• Bypass shears, which have two sharpened blades, cut through small woody stems that are no more than a pencil's width in diameter. If you must cut out older or thicker wood, use a pruning saw on your "Silverado." Clean pruning implements in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to sterilize them and prevent the spread of diseases or pests, especially if you are pruning out dead, damaged or sick wood. When making your pruning cuts, remove entire stems where they join to a main branch, or make the cuts just above a leaf or bud.