Photo: Rationalobserver, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Russian sage: when and how to prune
Salvia yangii
Russian sage is best pruned in April.
| Pruning months | April |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Russian sage: when to prune it?
In April, when the new buds swell at the base of the stems. Not in autumn: the stems look good in winter and protect the plant.
What else to prune in those months? April
Russian sage: how to prune it?
- Cut all stems back to about 30 cm above the ground, just above a few buds.
- Remove dead, thin and damaged stems right at the base.
- Do not prune too lightly: stems left long go bare and fall over more easily.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Russian sage flowers in July–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in April, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: Do not cut down to the ground into old wood without buds: it is slow to regrow from there.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Russian sage · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.