Photo: Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana): when and how to prune
Phlomis russeliana
Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana) is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana): when to prune it?
In March, before the new shoots start to grow.
What else to prune in those months? March
Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana): how to prune it?
- Cut the old flower stems down to the ground.
- Remove weathered or damaged leaves to make room for the fresh foliage.
- Cut off the flower stems earlier if you do not want it to self-seed.
- Leave the seed whorls standing in autumn and winter for winter interest.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana) flowers in June–August, when it attracts bees.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: If you leave the seed whorls, seedlings may appear. Weed them out if you do not want them.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.