In order to grow Russian sage plants, make sure you plant them in the spring or early summer. However, it is not a problem in residential or urban settings. Remove any sucker offshoots that spring up in the area where your Russian sage originally grew. We can't use a motion sensor water scarecrow because it would get the delivery people all wet too. You may see both Latin names listed in nursery catalogs for several years. As a perennial plant, Russian sage does not need a lot of water once it is established. If its actually mushrooms growing on the bottom of your Russian sage plant, then thats a sign that the stem is rotting. How can I keep a Russian sage plant from spreading? Getting a If a plant becomes crowded over time, consider lifting it and dividing it in early spring, replanting the divisions. The named cultivars usually are sold simply as Perovskia, and they may be either cultivars of P. atriplicifolia or cultivars of a hybrid cross betweenP. atriplicifoliaandP. abrotanoides. Both bloom a pretty purple color (though not the same exact color) for a good long time. At this point, the rooted cutting can be planted in its new garden location. So the dead twigs that are sticking out above the leaves in the spring will be there all summer if you dont prune it. The other option is using a non selective herbicide. Despite its name, the plant is a subshrub that grows from a woody base. 48" tall x 48" wide (cutting propagated). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It will take persistent attention on your part to remove as much as possible of all emerging plants and roots. I told you pruning Russian sage would be easy. Academic resources now list Russian sage as Salvia yangiialthough the old botanical name persists, especially in the nursery trade. Use Russian sage to add color to a sidewalk, a concrete patio, or next to a driveway or carport. Is it the number of green leaves Dont you use copper nails if you want to kill a tree ? I tried to dig it out last summer ,before I replanted the area however it began re- sprout , and I was continually cutting back the shoots. Can I take some plant shoots from the spring pruning and grow a couple new plants? Despite its slow growth rate, it tolerates alkaline conditions. Is there a poisenous solution Russian sage stems are woody, and can be pretty thick in spots, so I recommend using pruning shears for the job. Or you can leave them longer if you dont care about the shape of the plant. What should I use that will be safe for trees? Be sure to follow the directions on the herbicide label and take care not to damage other plants in your garden. Read full disclosure. Gallery 75 DF Specialty Herbicide. In fact, it is one of the best options if you want a beautiful and fragrant shrub. Choose 'Superba' for a more intense flower color of violet-blue. It's a good choice wherever you want subtle, long-blooming color, and it offers good contrast with both pink and yellow perennials. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. They will grow back. But, the best time for pruning Russian sage is in the spring. Young plants may take a full year or two before they are fully established and begin to bloom robustly. Neither from Russia nor a type of sage, Russian sage is nonetheless an excellent plant for the perennial garden. I pulled it out last year and it seemed to kill half the plant.it is bigger now and the plant seems to have shrunk. The flowers used to be eaten, but the leaves are definitely not edible. Cheers everyone! There are three techniques you can use for pruning Russian sage. Thank you, Amy. All varieties should receive the same pruning care as the species plant. You can also lightly prune Russian sage in early summer for terminal branching and more flower production. Excessive fertilizing also compromises flower production, as nitrogen causes the plants to develop leggy growth at the expense of flowering. The plant grows from 2' to 4' tall, depending on the variety, with feathery gray-green foliage. It does well in full, hot sun, has few insect predators and can survive in poor soil. The next best is to aerate the lime into the soil,fertilize heavy,drill grass seed thick, and pray for rain. The cuttings should be about four to six inches long and should be sliced just below the leaf node. Killing Russian Sage and weed - Ask Extension. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Plants prefer deep soil to establish a strong root system. The poor plant was bombarded with poop. The easiest and most common way to propagate Russian Sage is through division or cuttings in the spring. Can you tell me how to propagate Russian sage? One option is to bury the entire pot up to its rim for the winter. All those dead branches leave your plant looking ugly and half dead. In use since 1974, Roundup (glyphosate) is a non-selective herbicide that kills most weed species. Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a handsome sub-shrub that reaches its peak performance towards the end of summer and into early autumn, when it produces masses of lavender-coloured flowers held on branching, aromatic stems. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in winter, in early spring. Any herbicide you use to kill the plant has the potential to kill surrounding perennials, so that is not recommended. Feathery plumes of purple-blue flowers add a dose of cool color. Plant Gardener is supported by readers. It is also relatively pest- and disease-free. I have Russian sage in a perennial area. It laughs at Round-Up. What is the best way to use this plant in the landscape? After planting, the foliage will die back but the plant will return the following year. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. IF I use a weed killer on the new shoots of Russian sage that are in spots I don't want, will that kill the entire plant? It flowers on new growth. Good grass will over compete and push the sedge back. Quite helpful! I have a fewinvasive Annyone know the source for 4'x8' Russian birch plywood? TIA. While you can apply Roundup at any time, you will achieve the best control of the weeds. If you plant later, water frequently to keep the plants from drying out. If you want to get rid of Russian sage runners, there are a few things you can do. You can take a root cutting at really any time but if you would like to start with cuttings, do so in the spring. What should I do? Be aware though that this will kill any plant the hot water also comes in contact with. While once classified as Perovskia atriplicifolia, taxonomists reclassified in it 2004 through DNA testing as Salvia yangii, officially placing it in the sage genus. How To Deadhead Petunias By Pinching & Pruning, How To Prune Chives & Deadhead The Flowers, How To Prune Tomatoes For Maximum Production, How To Prune A Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia), Terms Of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. The hotter and stronger the sun, the better. If you want to get rid of the Russian sage in your garden, you can remove it manually or kill it with a chemical herbicide. Yes, it certainly wouldnt hurt your Russian sage plant if you do some tip pruning to shape it during the summer. Immediately plant this basal cutting in a small pot filled with a porous potting mix, such as a cactus/succulent mix, or in its new garden location. 3. It goes from a hazy, pale blue to a jubilant azure. Nope, it should grow back just fine. Here's how to do it: Full division of the plants by digging up the root ball, dividing into pieces, and replanting, should be done every four to six years to maintain the health of the plant. Wait until spring to cut back this plant. You can use any of the three methods every year for all the different Russian sage varieties. It is probably 2 ft tall only 2 branches wondering if I should cut them both back so they will stool out? It needs sunny, well-drained soil and is alkaline. But dont worry! Is there a sure-fire way to get rid of Creeping Charley? Once planted, Russian sage can survive temperatures of up to one-digit degrees in winter. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. It can look very nice in ornamental clay or ceramic pots, and in warm-winter regions, it will offer ornamental appeal year-round. Yes, you can take 3-4 stem cuttings, dip them in rooting hormone, and root them in moist soil. Its also important to know that Russian sage wont grow back at the tips of the plant after the winter, and the branches die back towards the bottom of the plant. This plant grows by underground roots. Early spring is a good time to prune these plants. While it is sometimes considered an invasive species, it is not listed on the National Invasive Species Database. It can be started indoors early in spring and transplanted in late summer. Water the plants occasionally during dry . My others are still fairly small. Just came across your sight! Something is mushroom shaped growth at the base of my Russian sage. Germination will take one to four months at a temperature of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If it flowers cut them off before they go to seed. New growth comes each year from a woody base, and flowering is on the new growth. Ranger Pro Herbicide. Since Feb. 24, 2022, the Kremlin has left no stone unturned in its effort to find ways to convince the Russian public that their country is fighting an existential war against the collective West.". "Washington is gung-ho for a new Cold War. Pruning can be done in the fall, but you may want to leave the silvery stems in place over the winter for visual appeal. It doesn't matter where I put my hummingbird feeders in my yard it seems those pesky little sugar ants seem to find themGRRR! Indigenous to central Asia, is reliably hardy in planting zones 5 through 9 and it often survives in zones 3 and 4 if you provide some minimal protection during winter. Plant this tough perennial in well-draining soil. Treat the plant with an herbicide to kill it, using a product that contains prodiamine. Any suggestions would be appreciated . Amazon.com Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Along the way, however, a number of different forms of the plant were introduced . Russian sage is such a tough plant its not likely to die unless you live at a very harsh, exposed site. I've declared war on my Russian Sage because it won't stay put. Keep A Russian Sage Plant From Spreading - How can I keep a Russian sage plant from spreading? Mary has been a Master Gardener for 30+ years and a commercial and residential gardener for 50+ years. Avoid very rich potting mixes, as these are not ideal for this plant. It will tolerate many soil types as long as it doesn't become waterlogged. Once established, Russian sage is drought-tolerant. I thought maybe a rabbit was burrowing in my yard, but it's almost dead center of my lawn (not a very smart rabbit). Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Container plants need more frequent watering. Roundup for Lawns is the recommended product for controlling thistles in your lawn, advises Roundup. Where suckers are aggressive, treat the ground area with herbicide. If your Russians sage plant is small like mine or its immature, then its best to hand prune it like I do. I tried pulling out stems, blut couldnt. Expert gardening advice straight to your inbox! Mid-spring pruning is a good idea, as it will allow the plant to fill in with new leaves. You do not have to separate the seeds from the chaff but you will need to give the seeds a cold period. Products labeled to treat Russian Thistle. At most, you might provide a light layer of compost in the spring. Little water daily and sees Sun all morning until late afternoon. Nancy Turner on Jun 11, 2017. If the plant is already large, you may need to use a weed whacker or other tool to cut it down. The shrub spreads by rhizomes and self-sowing. don't know - central colorado, elevation 7000ft. I did not know there were different varieties! However, the only concern that most people have is the invasiveness of plants. With this approach, the hard pruning is done in early spring. Hi- The image of the weed did not come through. The leaves can act like an insulation layer to . I just got my Russian Sage this spring! A potted Russian sage offers a good way to enjoy this long-blooming plant in sunny paved courtyards or patios. A more reliable method is to propagate through basal cuttings. If you want to keep having some, keep some of the plants but grow it in the appropriate sized pot and you can keep it contained. Outside of annual pruning, Russian sage needs little maintenance. Cut the plant down to the stump to simply dig it out of the ground. Give Russian sage a well-draining soil and full sun for best growth. Hi Hometalk PeepsI have a problem on our back covered patio. Is Creeping Charlie in your lawn a good thing or a bad thing? I wanted to know if anyone could suggest a few types of flowering trees, medium HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. How to Care for a Potted Freesia After Blooming, Missouri Botanical Garden: Perovskia atriplicifolia, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space, Life Expectancy of the Kangaroo Paw Flower. In fact, you want to be aggressive with large shrubs. If you are planting them outdoors, they will grow more vigorously if theyre placed in the sun. Slightly moist soil is easier to dig in than extremely dry soil. However, it is important to water it during the first growing season to stimulate a deep root system. You can make them in May or June to avoid the risk of weeds from spreading. Its a perfect choice for seaside gardens. Ohio State University Extension: Controlling Weeds in Nursery and Landscape Plantings, Washington State University Clark County Extension: Russian Sage, The most important gardening tools you didn't know you needed, Illinois Gardener's Guide; James Alfred Fizzel. The plant often appears in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9 where it is used to line garden borders and as large accent plants thanks to its lacy silver-gray foliage and delicate spires of light purple blooms. 2nd time this year since May! If you cut it down, make sure to cut it as close to the ground as possible. However, if you leave the stems standing over the winter, leaves will collect around the base of the plant. When pruning, consider trimming the stems 6-8 inches above ground level. Russian sage is a tough plant that needs little care. I have a large goldfish pond and a previous home owner planted Russian Sage in a couple places around the pond. Without this enzyme, the plant cannot grow or reproduce. This enzyme is necessary for the plant to produce proteins. Using a sharp knife or trowel, cut away one of the growing stems along the edges of the root ball, making sure to capture a healthy section of roots along with the growing stem. When is the best time to dig Russian Garlic? Cut it down to the stumps and dig it out if you want it completely gone. Cultivars vary in flower color and growth form. Did I do harm to them? Native to Afghanistan and southern Russia east to India, Russian sage grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, according to Missouri Botanical Garden. Pull the suckers out manually and put them into the trash. Does anyone have any Suggestions on h Grow it in the perennial border, xeriscape garden, and theme gardens such as Mediterranean and Tuscan gardens. Perovskia atriplicifolia is a fantastic addition to a herbaceous border or gravel garden, growing alongside . I love the low maintenance of this plant in my dry soil. You can prune out the dead growth any time, you wont harm the plant. 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. Rodeo Herbicide. Roundup Pro Max. Can I use Roundup in new growths or will it kill main plant? And, my assumption that they would be tall & of course, stunning, has been a sad disappointment. To prevent it from becoming invasive, consider using a container. For best results and blooms, plant Russian sage in full sun. They both re sprout from the extensive root system. 4.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Can I harvest seeds from my Russian sage for next year? 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. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage care, and it helps to keep your plants growing and looking their best. Method 1: Cut it down to the ground If your Russian sage is really woody and hasnt been pruned before, then you might want to try cutting it all the way down to the ground. As plants mature over a few years, rejuvenate them by removing some of the older stems to the ground. The most common complaint with Russian sage is sprawling, floppy stems. When theyre small, the new leaves are very delicate and can break off easily, so be careful. Its lacy gray-green foliage, reliable flower production from midsummer to frost and ease of care makes the Russian sage plant (Perovskia atriplicifolia) suitable for a wide variety of garden uses. But dont worry, these pruning tips work for all of them! When young, the plants tend to flop over. Had blooms. Yes, spring would be the ideal time to trim the plant back, especially any dead or unhealthy growth. Spring Hill Nurseries Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage Perennial Plant in 1-Pack Bareroot. Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension. See more. Suddenly it appears to be drying up a d dying Im in zone 9b, warm and dry. It likes medium to dry soil and will do fine in hot, dry areas of your yard or garden. Method 3: Wait for new growth before pruning it This is my preferred method, but its also the most tedious. Share your tips for pruning Russian sage in the comments section below. Failure to bloom is usually traced to a lack of sunlight, as these plants grow leggy with sparse blooms if they don't get a full six hours or more of direct sunlight daily. Roundup QuikPRO. As a result, it is an excellent choice for seaside gardens. Russian sage does tend to spread more when you cut it down to the ground rather than just pruning the branches back to fresh growth. It's root is almost like a long parsnip. I agree with all above. It is a great addition to your landscape. In warmer regions, no winter preparation is needed at all, other than hard pruning if you want to rejuvenate the plant. However, it is in the same general mint family, and Russian sage does have a history of use as a flavoring in vodka and in folk medicine, where it has been smoked for its euphoriant properties. Russian sage is a fast grower that is best planted as a nursery-grown container plant in the late spring when the soil is warm but before the weather is too hot and dry. 32 Deer-Resistant Perennials and Herbs to Plant Outside, How to Grow and Care for May Night Salvia, How to Grow and Care for Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea, How to Grow and Care For Monkey Puzzle Trees. This new growing season will be so fun witnessing the growth of my old Russian Sage plantings! Shady conditions tend to make the plant leggy and prone to collapse. Whenever you prune, it's best to cut the stems back to 8 to 12 inches, which retains an ample number of growth buds that will resprout. russian sage , how to erradicate - Ask Extension. If any of the branches are sticking out a lot higher than others, then you can cut them back to the same length so the plant is shapely. If starting the seeds indoors, harden off the seedlings for a week or two before planting them in the garden in late spring. New transplants need regular watering, but once established, Russian sage is very drought-tolerant. It is also unlikely to be eaten by rabbits. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening for most of my life. The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks. One option is to bury the entire pot up to its rim for the winter. A tough, vigorous perennial, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) has a reputation for thriving where no other plants will grow. This case, as you probably know if you are reading this, involved a man who was diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a couple of years after using Roundup several times a day while on the job as a school groundskeeper. Then you can pour boiling water on the remaining plants that are becoming 'weedy'. Thank you for the images. Named cultivars of this plant usually do not produce seeds that "come true" to the parent plant, so seed propagation is not common. There you have it! Since it is so tall, if grown individually, it often requires support with stakes or a peony ring, If grown in masses, the plants help to support one another. If your Russian sage leaves have already started growing, then use methods 2 or 3 instead, and wait until next spring to cut it all the way back. Roundup works by causing cell death in plants. Clay-based soil is not the best choice, as its difficult to aerate the soil. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender flowers throughout the summer and into fall. Russian sage isn't a shrub, it's a woody perennial. Method 2: Prune it for shape With this method, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to shape your Russian sage bush to a nice rounded form. As a nonselective herbicide, Roundup will kill almost all non-targeted plants if the chemical drifts to them by spraying. Not to be outdone by its flowers, the plant's stems and foliage make a strong statement of their own, perhaps even outstripping the floral display as the chief reason to grow the bush, A graceful perennial with silver stems (so chalky in appearance they sometimes seem to be white) and feathery, silvery leaves, Russian sage plants can reach a height of four to five feet with a spread of three feet or greater if you do not prune them annually. As a result, the seeds have been in the ground for many years, and a pre-emergent will not prevent germination of all the seeds. Can I use Roundup in new growths or will it kill main plant? Or, you can move the plant to a cold frame or unheated porch or garage until spring. Perennial plants such as Russian sage always offer some challenges for gardeners in cold-winter regions, as the exposed roots can be more prone to winter kill. That will prevent them from spreading out of the pot and into other areas. She is a former Clemson University Extension Agent. Kill Russian Sage . If your plants aren't blooming the way you want, try withholding all feeding, even the light topdressing with compost that is normally advised. Although its branches are woody, like a shrub, the top portion of the plant . So, Ive included step-by-step instructions for how to cut back Russian sage using this method below. You can however collect seeds. I suspect that each sprout has a . These aromatic plants tend to repel most common insects, and the only significant disease is root rot which can occur if the plants are growing in wet, poorly draining soil. This is called stratification. Both sumac and Russian sage will take some effort to eradicate. The poor plant was bombarded with poop. It is also effective at killing other plants, including Russian sage. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. If youre planting Russian sage in a garden, you can use a combination of grit and organic matter to improve the soil. The Propagation of Hardy Perennials. Russian sage is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant sub-shrub often grown as a perennial. I don't know what this weed is! Though container culture is not the typical use, Russian sage will grow well in any well-draining container filled with a porous potting mix, such as a cactus/succulent mix. How do I keep an unknown neighbor's cat from peeing on my front porch, furniture and cushions? Russian sage is a woody subshrub. Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. When the flower sepals turn brown and dry, the tiny seeds are about 1/32 " in diameter. If you dont prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesnt look very nice. Is it better to pull the new sprawling plants out of the soil? With some varieties, this is almost unavoidable and the plants may require a hoop support or other means of staking to keep the plants more upright. This helps the plant overwinter successfully. If you have Russian sage in your garden and want to get rid of it, there are a few things you can do. If you don't prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn't look very nice. 'Filigran' is more upright, growing to 36 inches tall, with bright blue flowers and more finely divided leaves. Once the cuttings are in the ground, they should be watered deeply until they sprout new growth. Its long, slender stems and slender leaves will add drama to your garden. The plant can grow to four feet in height with a three-foot spread. Don't worry about a lack of flowers until the plant is fully two years old. Set in a protected location that receives plenty of light and keep the growing medium lightly moist. 'Longin' has an erect habit with less serrated leaves and flowers similar to the species. Voted the Perennial of the Year in 1995 by the Perennial Plant Association, Russian Sage, aka Perovskia atriplicifolia, has been providing drought-tolerant lavender beauty to American gardens for many years. Moisten the soil around the stump to loosen it up, then pull out the root system. Cut it down to the stumps and dig it out if you want it completely gone. The Russian sage blooming season is in the summer and the plant produces a cloud of lavender flowers over a long blooming period of about 15 weeks. posted 16 years ago. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 10. Apply the herbicide to the leaves of your Russian sage before it begins to flower in midsummer. Hand digging every new sprout is the least toxic method of removing them. Taking cuttings of this perennial is easy and convenient. You can cut the stems down to a few inches from the ground. How do I keep the ants away from my Hummingbird Feeders???? ALL CONTENT FOUND ON THIS WEBSITE IS COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS AND ANY FORM OF REPRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Can someone tell me what kind of animal this was in my yard? It is a very hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought, heat and cold. They are hardy plants, but if its dry, hot, and sunny, they may start to suffer without adequate water. Russian SagePerovskia atriplicifolia. Reports of its origin are conflicting . Make sure children and animals are indoors or away from the area to be sprayed. W. William. Russian sage, or Perovskia, is a late summer blooming perennial that bursts into flower like a cloud of blue. This plant is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Russian Sage Taking Over Garden - Russian sage is taking over my garden. I understand that the best chemical may be prodiamine,however I am concerned about using it as a pre -emergent as it may destroy the other perennial in the area. It is not an edible plant, really. While you need to consider its location, it is not a problem once it is established. The seed should be planted six to eight weeks before the last predicted frost. Hi Amy! If you have a problem with Russian sage spreading into other areas of your garden, you may want to consider growing it in a container. You can however collect seeds. However, it prefers a well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. But they are very hardy, and cutting them down to the ground shouldnt hurt them. Religiously speaking there are various g. It is best to plant them 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. These self-layered volunteers can be severed from the mother plant, dug up, and transplanted into new locations. When it comes to soil, heavy clay soil will require amendments to increase drainage. Unlike other varieties, it won't flop over. You can cut it back all the way down to the ground, prune it for shape, or wait for new growth before pruning it (which is the method I like to use, see the step-by-step instructions below). The cultivars most often offered in the nursery trade include: Many gardeners, even in regions where the plant is evergreen, choose to severely prune Russian sage annually. Bell has handed out beauty and fashion advice since she could talk -- and for the last six years, write for online publications like Daily Glow and SheBudgets. Read our. It grows best in sandy soil thats not too acidic. They both re sprout from the extensive root system. No, you should not cut down Russian sage. Contact options for registered users. I find it easier to wait until the leaves have started growing before I prune mine so I know exactly where to cut. If you do want to plant Russian sage in your yard, you can do it yourself. Last fall, Bought and planted a few Denim & Lace variety. Growing Russian Sage From Plant Shoot - I don't have any russian sage plants, but our neighbors do and several common areas in our neighborhood do.