Russian sage tolerates some over-pruning, though it may take it a year to recover from severe trims. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. Care: Russian sage is a very low-maintenance plant. Cut to the ground each spring to promote new growth. 1 decade ago. Cut back plants almost to the ground in late winter to early spring as soon as new growth appears. Soak the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches at each application to provide adequate moisture. Cut your Russian sage back to about 4 inches above the ground. I noticed this spring that half the plant finally suffered winterkill. You might use an inverted ceramic flower pot, and on top of that add a burlap bag or another fabric cloth. 0 0. Make sure they don’t dry out during their first season (but don’t overwater, either!) She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing. With semi-woody stems, this member of the mint family is drought tolerant and trouble-free. Although the taller species sometimes benefits from a spring pinching to control height, this small cultivar performs well without pinching. 1. The long panicles of flowers become increasingly brilliant as they open. This plant has some cultivated varieties. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Plus the form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. and after that they’re pretty tough plants. Maintenance Prune out any winter-killed branches as needed. I see the sedum, day lilies and nepata coming to life, but the Russian Sage has nothing but dry stems from last year. Russian Sage Winter. Water potted Russian sage often during hot, dry weather as potted plants dry out quickly. Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia Neither truly Russian nor a sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia holds its own when it comes to being a trustworthy, drought-tolerant shrub useful in a variety of sun-filled landscape designs. 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A sturdy perennial herb, Russian sage easily survives the mild Northern California climate with proper fall care and light protection against winter chill. Quick Links For A Glimpse. Also, help answer other questions about General Gardening and Russian Sage Plants, and plants at GardeningKnowHow.com Mike Heger of Ambergate Gardens, Waconia, Minnesota (zone 4), treats Russian sage like an herbaceous perennial that dies back in winter. The straight species grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. I would leave the whole plant. If you live in the northern reaches of that climate range, you may need to offer potted Russian sage a bit of extra protection during the winter months. Rhododendrons and Lilac especially benefit from the removal of dead flowers. Do you have floppy Russian sage that is driving you crazy thinking about how to care for it? Be sure to watch my video that shows you the two best methods to prune Russian sage in spring. Do not water during the winter in zones above 7. Since it blooms on new wood, Russian sage is … There are green, golden and variegated forms of Cornus alba, a … It looks like a bunch of grey-brown leafless stalks. Botanical Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia Plant Type: Perennial Light Requirement: Full Sun Water Demand: Low Landscape Use: Ornamental Value: Lavender, Blue Native/Adapted: Adapted Wildlife Value: Season: Summer, Fall Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous Plant Form: Upright Plant Spread: 3' … Maintenance Prune out any winter-killed branches as needed. Set out new plants in early spring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet (.6-.9 m.) apart. Help answer a question about potted russian sage indoors for winter - Gardening Know How Questions & Answers. Fertilizer: Don’t bother. So the dead twigs that are sticking out above the leaves in the spring will be there all summer if you don’t prune … Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to fall, this delicate-looking plant is a toughy that is resistant to drought, heat, pests and poor soils. Then, if you live in colder, northern climates, just bring your containers into the house over the winter. The ideal site to plant the Russian Sage is one that has ample sun. Winter In Russia: Highlights 2. The landscape around our new house included Russian Sage and several ornamental grasses, among other things. Go to list of cultivars. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. Depending on the location of the plant, where the foliage is borne, and the variety, the leaf edges may have a serrated or wavy edge. Your other option is to simply treat Russian sage as an annual and let nature take its course. I will not be cutting my russian sage back at all. For winter effect, grow perovskia in front of red-stemmed dogwoods to create a sharp mixture of red and silver-white. Jan 24, 2013 - Great Design Plant: Russian Sage - Silvery stems in winter and a haze of purple blooms in spring and summer make this spiky plant a year-round performer in the garden In late fall through winter, Russian sage sheds its flowers to reveal stately silvery stems for a perfect snowscape complement. If you’re sure all danger of frost has passed, you can trim a little harder. Sage Winter Care Tips . Option one for bold people. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect. Russian sage will spread by seed and underground stems, forming a large colony over time. Sunlight is a key ingredient to the growth of the Russian sage. If the plant freezes, you can always start with new plants in spring. Cold hardy to nearly -40 °F, it grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. Russian sage, day lilies, lavender and gaillardia reemerge each spring. Several Russian sage varieties are available on the market. If you do trim it down I would try to not get into the woody parts of the plant because the winter winds can dry the plant too much this way. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very … The Russian sage can survive year-round in the USDA hardiness zones of 5 through 9. Good drainage must also be present in the soil of that site so that the Russian Sage can be saved from Fungus and disease.. See more ideas about russian sage, landscape, xeriscape. If you get winter temperatures below 20 degrees F, however, it would be wise to provide protection. You can give plants a hard prune at this point, cutting plants to 6 to 12 inches tall, if you don’t want to see stems all winter long. If you don’t prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn’t look very nice. I have grown Russian Sage in my zone 4-5 garden near Cooperstown, New York for about ten years. Above: Like Karl Foerster grass, Russian sage is an indispensable plant in winter, being impressively hardy (to USDA zones 5 to 9). Over the years I have attempted to over winter Russian Sage in my gardens. All parts of the Russian sage plant are quite fragrant when rubbed or crushed. Trim Russian sage to 12 to 18 inches (30-46 cm.) Russian sage's uses are many, with the plants frequently found anchoring both border and wildlife gardens. In your book, there's a mention of using Russian Sage as a vertical interest in containers. Russian sage is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. Do not water during the winter in zones above 7. Russian Sage. This plant has some cultivated varieties. ‘Blue Spire’ Russian sage tends to grow more upright than the species with stems that reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Some even uses the flowers in tea when experiencing stomach upset. Move Russian sage immediately, preventing dry roots. Russian sage will perform just fine without it. Should you cut it back, transplant it or stake it? 1 decade ago. Russian sage is a woody subshrub. Russian-sage is a semi-hardy sub-shrub or perennial grown for its handsome gray-green foliage and beautiful late season lavender-blue flower spikes. By Catherine on April 19, 2014 in Great Plants, Pruning, Spring Cleanup, Winter Care. Rather than looking great after pruning, it looks like a ball of grey-brown stems with a few leaves hanging on. Caring for Potted Russian Sage in Winter. Pot Size ... Shrubs can be mulched in late winter, after fertiliser has been applied, but it can be mulched through autumn to late spring as long as the ground is damp. Stake the plant to prevent this if desired. Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 10. Russian sage tolerates some over-pruning, though it may take it a year to recover from severe trims. Look no further, because it’s right here…Russian Sage. Mud is a related contributing factor that impairs military maneuvering in Russia and elsewhere, and is sometimes personified as "General Mud". 0 0. If you live in the northern reaches of that climate range, you may need to offer potted Russian sage a bit of extra protection during the winter months. Set out new plants in early spring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet (.6-.9 m.) apart. Go to list of cultivars. It goes from a hazy, pale blue to a jubilant azure. Depending upon where you are in Hennepin County, your growing zone is either 4b or 5a. At most, apply a … How to Grow Russian Sage. Growing Russian Sage in Containers. Russian Sage Write a Review. Planting: Plant Russian sage in the early spring or early fall … Leaving perennials in above ground containers is always risky for northern gardeners. Even in winter, the plant's silvery stems and upright shape, extending to heights of 3 to 5 feet at maturity, adds interest to the home landscape. Any pot is fine as long as it has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. A paper coffee filter or a piece of mesh screening will keep the potting mix from washing through the drainage hole. Cut all the stems to the ground. Russian sage is a durable plant suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, but plants in containers are less cold hardy. I would leave the whole plant. Russian sage cut back in early fall . A standard potting mix combined with a bit of sand or perlite works well. Find help & information on Perovskia atriplicifolia Russian sage from the RHS Choose a planting spot with well-drained average soil or alkaline, dry soil. Otherwise, fertilize potted Russian sage every couple of weeks with a dilute solution of a general purpose, water-soluble fertilizer. Read on to learn more about container-grown Russian sage. M.H. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cut back to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. Little Spire Russian Sage is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. If you don’t prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn’t look very nice. It’s also important to know that Russian sage won’t grow back at the tips of the plant after the winter, and the branches die back towards the bottom of the plant. Cut back Russian sage in winter when the plant has died back and gone dormant for the season. They don’t need to be fertilized or divided. If you love snow and winters, Russia is one of the best places on earth to visit during the winter season. Jess. I usually leave most of my plants intact, and do my clean-up in the spring. When planting Russian sage, consider two things this beauty doesn’t like: high humidity and soil that stays soggy in winter. Carefully dig around roots, starting one foot away from the plant base. Click here to browse or search the plants in this database. Russian sage belongs to a class of shrubs called subshrubs. Russian sage will perform just fine without it. Another video is here! Russian sage is a slow grower and does not spread, creating a woody structure of stems at the base of the plant. A sturdy perennial herb, Russian sage easily survives the mild Northern California climate with proper fall care and light protection against winter chill. Allow spent Russian sage plants to remain intact in autumn, and it will add interest to the winter landscape. Source(s): https://shorte.im/a0IV0. How to Set Up Artificial Lights for a Venus Flytrap, University of California, Berkeley, College of Natural Resources: Gardening for Bees, Washington State University Extension: Russian Sage, Abilene Reporter News: Time to 'Winterize'. Young plants may have weak stems which cause the plant to flop over. How does one tell if these survived the winter? Mulch helps prevent moisture loss and maintains an even soil temperature. Are you looking for a plant that survives freezing winters and scorching summers, is drought tolerant, blooms all summer, and attracts bees and butterflies? In 1995, Russian sage received the Perennial Plant of the Year award, and rightly so. The winter of 2003-04 was one of those. Wait until late winter or early spring to cut back Russian sage, butterfly bush and pest-free perennials. Water Russian sage deeply in late autumn, as moist soil protects the roots in chilly weather. You can also do a light pruning in early summer if you want to reduce the height and make plants look fuller. The plant was named after V A Perovski, a Russian general who was famous for leading his army into Afghanistan during the winter of 1837 and probably saw it growing on his campaign trail. Potted Russian sage is likely to rot in soggy, poorly drained soil. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. You can bury a non-freezing container in a protected area of your garden and pull it out in spring, but the easiest way to save Russian sage in containers is to bring the plant into an unheated (non-freezing) shed, garage or other area. In late fall through winter, Russian sage sheds its flowers to reveal stately silvery stems for a perfect snowscape complement. Source(s): https://shorte.im/a0IV0. Due to all of the interest I’ve received related to the best method to prune Russian sage before it starts growing in spring, we finally got a video together to SHOW you how to do it. Also, the plant provides attractive texture to the garden (and shelter for birds) during the winter months. Russian sage is hardy in Zones 4 to 9. For winter interest, leave the seedheads and silvery stems in place until spring. Jan 28, 2019 - Winter structure from Perovskia 'Russian Sage,' snapped in Brighton's Preston Park Although its branches are woody, like a shrub, the top portion of the plant may die back in cold winters. Cut your Russian sage back to about 4 inches above the ground. Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. I have grown Russian Sage in my zone 4-5 garden near Cooperstown, New York for about ten years. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. Salvia yangii, previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia (/ p ə ˈ r ɒ v s k i ə æ t r ɪ p l ɪ s ɪ ˈ f oʊ l i ə /), and commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub.Although not previously a member of Salvia, the genus widely known as sage, since 2017 it has been included within them. Notice the Russian sage in the photo was cut back in fall. Jul 24, 2016 - Explore Julie Ratio's board "landscape ideas - Russian Sage" on Pinterest. Do you have floppy Russian sage that is driving you crazy thinking about how to care for it? This tough beauty is originally from the region around Afghanistan, and it is one hardy (zones 4 through 9), gorgeous plant. Wait until late winter or early spring to cut back Russian sage, butterfly bush and pest-free perennials. Water Russian sage once every week during spring, summer and fall to keep the roots from drying out completely. Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is an attractive plant with elongate, gray-green leaves and square, silvery-gray stems that produces an airy cloud of color late in the summer.The tiny, purple-blue, tubular flowers are arranged in whorls along long stems. Don’t water if the soil still feels moist from the previous watering. Russian sage is a perennial plant that can easily be transplanted to a well-draining soil location with proper care. Warnings. Jess. At most, apply a … Insulating herbs like sage during the winter season is recommended. By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer. The problem is that cutting something that doesn’t look that great in the first place often doesn’t make it look that much better. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. Russian sage has household uses, as well, and is often used in dried flower arrangements and when making fragrant potpourris. With its aromatic aroma, Russian sage is generally a deer-resistant plant. A potting mix with fertilizer pre-mixed at planting time will provide the plant with nutrients for six to eight weeks. Russian Winter, sometimes personified as " General Frost " or " General Winter ", is an aspect of the climate of Russia that has contributed to military failures of several invasions of Russia. in spring. Water lightly as needed to keep the potting mix from becoming bone dry. Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a plant that was tailor-made for Colorado’s climate and growing conditions.An import from central Asia, Russian sage thrives in our high, dry climate, bright sunshine and alkaline soils. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. How to Grow Russian Sage. You can take part in winter activities and visit the famous attractions that look splendid in snow. Jul 24, 2016 - Explore Julie Ratio's board "landscape ideas - Russian Sage" on Pinterest. It’s also important to know that Russian sage won’t grow back at the tips of the plant after the winter, and the branches die back towards the bottom of the plant. Russian-sage is a semi-hardy sub-shrub or perennial grown for its handsome gray-green foliage and beautiful late season lavender-blue flower spikes. Russian sage is not that attractive in the winter, so put it next to other plants that have more winter interest. With its airy spires of small, purple-blue flowers and finely-cut, gray-green foliage on upright, grayish-white stems, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) adds a haze of color to the garden from midsummer into fall, blending well with just about any other flower color. New growth comes each year from a woody base, and flowering is on the new growth. Although Russian sage works well planted in a flower bed with mixed flowers, the plant is especially well suited to a rock garden or an area with poor, dry soil. 1 Planting Site. Russian sage likes sun and heat. Russian sage is a tall plant, so use a pot with a sturdy base. Edith. If the winter weather is dry, water the plants lightly every two to three weeks. We have 123 images of 27 russian sages in our Russian Sages database. Depending on the severity of the winter, the branches may die back over halfway, even to ground level. Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season. This can make the whole process a little confusing. Water the plants occasionally during dry spells until they are … Russian sage is one of the most heat and drought-resistant perennials available. Sign up for our newsletter. In fact, you might mix beautiful containers of Russian sage in with your other landscape plants. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender flowers throughout the summer. Writer Bio. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. All shrubs benefit from dead-heading once spent flowers become apparent. Water at the base of the plant until the extra trickles through the drainage hole. Cut to the ground each spring to promote new growth. Warning. The winter of 2003-04 was one of those. Not much of an improvement. Russian sage adapts well to either soil type. More importantly, heavy pruning stimulates new growth, making the plant more susceptible to winter damage. Depending on the severity of the winter, the branches may die back over halfway, even to ground level. My growing zone is 4b. Find help & information on Perovskia atriplicifolia Russian sage from the RHS In warmer regions it may not die back much, if at all, during the winter months. Use a lightweight, well-drained potting mix. Sage growing in the garden bed needs some systematic care. The bluish-lavender blooms appear in autumn, attracting butterflies and honeybees to the garden. Obviously, winter in Russia is frigid and chilly – which is what attracts a number of individuals to Russia. ‘Little Spire’ Russian sage is a smaller version, reaching a tidy 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Stake the plant to prevent this if desired. My one plant has survived winters where temperatures dropped to -30 for two or three nights in a row for several of these years. You can also do a light pruning in early summer if you want to reduce the height and make plants look fuller. If you don't like the appearance of the unpruned Russian sage, tidy up the plants with a light pruning, but don't cut the Russian sage to the ground until spring. Young plants may have weak stems which cause the plant to flop over. 0 0. Reduce watering frequency during winter to once every two weeks in zones 7 through 9. Use an organic mulch such as shredded bark or pine needles. Should you cut it back, transplant it or stake it? At maturity, it can create offsets (‘mini’ plants with partially developed root systems) at its base. I have had some success in getting them through two or sometimes even three of our northern Minnesota winters, but they never really survive beyond that time frame. Noteworthy Characteristics. Russian sage (Perovskia) is a woody, sun-loving perennial that looks spectacular in mass plantings or along a border. If you’re short on space or you need a little something to fancy up a deck or patio, you can definitely grow Russian sage in containers. I will not be cutting my russian sage back at all. If you do trim it down I would try to not get into the woody parts of the plant because the winter winds can dry the plant too much this way. One way to make Russian sage look better is to simply surround it with landscape plants that have a better appearance in winter. Russian sage is such an easy-to-grow and hardy plant that it will also thrive in containers. Sound good? Plus the form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape. Salvia yangii, previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia (/ p ə ˈ r ɒ v s k i ə æ t r ɪ p l ɪ s ɪ ˈ f oʊ l i ə /), and commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub.Although not previously a member of Salvia, the genus widely known as sage, since 2017 it has been included within them. Also like the tall Calamagrostis, Perovskia keeps its shape until the moment it is razed to the ground, at the end of February. Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 10. Russian Sage Winter. Can they stay in the containers throughout the winter, or do they need to be brought in or planted in ground before frost? For winter interest, leave the seedheads and silvery stems in place until spring. Although you can trim Russian sage in fall, this isn’t a wise practice in cold climates when trimming may produce tender new growth that can get nipped by frost during the winter months. Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. Wear gloves when moving, as the leaves may irritate skin. Basic Winter Protection. Its botanical name is Perovskia atriplicofolia. Keep in mind it’s a “subshrub,” meaning the top half of each stem dies back each year, but the bottom part of each stem lives through the winter. This semi-woody plant was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995 by the Perennial Plant Association. You can also trim lightly throughout the season. Cut back Russian sage in winter when the plant has died back and gone dormant for the season. Reduce watering frequency during winter to once every two weeks in zones 7 through 9. It can be tempting to tidy it up by cutting it back somehow. When it comes to growing Russian sage in containers, bigger is definitely better because a large pot provides ample space for the roots to develop. Russian Sage can be planted at any time during the growing season. Not to be outdone by its flowers, the plant's stems and foliage make a strong statement of their own, perhaps even outstrippi… One of Russian sage’s downsides is its winter appearance is not so great. Water Russian sage once every week during spring, summer and fall to keep the roots from drying out completely. Sages grown in pots can be simply moved indoors for the winter. See more ideas about russian sage, landscape, xeriscape. Russian sage, or Perovskia, is a late summer blooming perennial that bursts into flower like a cloud of blue. Sage earthed-up during the spring season, to induce fresh growth, needs winter protection. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! I noticed this spring that half the plant finally suffered winterkill. In addition to its blossoms, it is worth growing Russian sage for the silver-green foliage. Russian sage is not that attractive in the winter, so put it next to other plants that have more winter interest. My one plant has survived winters where temperatures dropped to -30 for two or three nights in a row for several of these years. Russian sage is a durable plant suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, but plants in containers are less cold hardy. Perovskia 'Little Spire' (Russian Sage) is a compact, erect, multi-stemmed, sub-shrub or deciduous perennial with terminal panicles of small violet-blue flowers, borne on thin white stems, clad with finely-dissected, aromatic gray-green leaves. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch evenly around the Russian sage plants. 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