Russian sage does need to be cut back in order to keep it healthy and looking its best. Pruning helps to promote new growth, control the size and shape of the plant, and prevent it from becoming too woody or overgrown.
The ideal time to prune Russian sage is after the flowers have faded and winter has settled in. In areas with mild winters, this can be done as early as late fall. By pruning at this time, you allow the plant to go into its dormant period with a fresh set of growth, which can help it survive the winter months.
When pruning Russian sage, you have a couple of options depending on your aesthetic preference and the climate you live in. If you don’t mind seeing the stems of the plant during the winter, you can give it a hard prune, cutting it back to about 6 to 12 inches tall. This will help to keep the plant compact and prevent it from flopping over.
On the other hand, if you prefer a neater appearance during the winter months, you can wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring. This way, you can enjoy the dried flower heads and foliage throughout the winter, and then cut the plant back to the desired height before new growth begins in the spring.
When pruning Russian sage, it’s important to use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Avoid tearing or ripping the stems, as this can create open wounds that are susceptible to disease and pests. Make your cuts just above a set of healthy buds or nodes, as this will encourage new growth to emerge from that point.
In terms of the amount you should prune, you can be quite aggressive with Russian sage. It is a hardy and resilient plant that can handle a hard prune without issue. Feel free to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or crowded stems. This will help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Russian sage should be pruned after the flowers fade and when winter settles in. You can choose to give it a hard prune, cutting it back to 6 to 12 inches tall, or wait until late winter or early spring for a neater appearance. Pruning helps to promote new growth, control the size and shape of the plant, and prevent it from becoming too woody or overgrown. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and make your cuts just above healthy buds or nodes. Russian sage is a hardy plant that can handle a hard prune without issue.
