Moisten the soil around the stump to loosen it up, then pull out the root system. Apply the herbicide to the leaves of your Russian sage before it begins to flower in midsummer. You can refresh your Russian Sage by replacing it with freshly propagated new specimens. If the irrigation is limited, the plant will not grow as large, but will still produce flowers. It is a good plant for fall color in the garden, to use for dried or cut flowers, or to attract butterflies. Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 10. The Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a hardy perennial. Suckers come up through the gravel. You can refresh your Russian Sage by replacing it with freshly propagated new specimens. Divide the plant base if it is still too large for its location after cutting back. Russian sage is a 3 to 5-foot tall perennial with purplish blue flowers and silver foliage. Limit the nitrogen fertilizer that you give the plant. Due to widespread sucker growth, Russian sage plants can quickly become invasive in a flowerbed or small garden and you may need to remove it from the garden from time to time. Not to be outdone by its flowers, the plant's stems and foliage make a strong statement of their own, perhaps even outstrippi… Russian sage is a low-water shrub grown for its blue-purple flower spikes that appear in late July. Treat the plant with an herbicide to kill it, using a product that contains prodiamine. In the meantime, you will need to keep the seeds continually moist and warm. Planting notes. Russian sage grows well — almost too well in some regions. The plant would most likely continue growing and spreading if … When working with herbicide, wear the proper safety gear. The following is a guide to the dangers of growing Russian sage. Better yet, give it … This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender flowers throughout the summer. Pruning it is not completely necessary, though. Russian Sage - Attractive With Edible Flowers But Not a True Sage. Extension, Perennial All Stars, Jeff Cox, Rodale Press. I have lots of Russian Sage too, and I am finding that it can be very dominant! Bob Shankland, Lakewood, Co. Jefferson County Colorado. I managed to remove most of it but the roots keep sending up sprouts. Russian sage can be controlled size-wise to a degree by an early-spring whackback to a stub and with a second early-summer trim. A tough, vigorous perennial, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) has a reputation for thriving where no other plants will grow. Russian sage plants can reach three feet high and just as wide, with an open, airy habit, gray-green foliage and modest blue-purple floral spikes that give an impression of a colorful mist. She holds a B.A. Good drainage must also be present in the soil of that site so that the Russian Sage can be saved from Fungus and disease. Remove any sucker offshoots that spring up in the area where your Russian sage originally grew. It is kinda huge and sloppy. However, it is an option and a good way to get a lot of inexpensive plants. The flowers appear on branched stems at the tips of each branch. Fertilizer, especially nitrogen fertilizer, will encourage growth. Use Russian sage as a ground cover for open areas or as a specimen plant. Need to translate "keep under control" to Russian? I almost wish I hadn't planted it in my flowerbed. Once the plant dies, you can remove the stump remains from your garden. When I moved in years later it was a jungle. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. I enjoy the loose form of this plant, preferring to give it a lot of space in the garden by keeping it a 3 or 4 feet away from other plants. Discard the roots in the trash, not your compost heap, or the plant may begin growing again. In 1995, it was named the Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. See more ideas about Russian sage, Landscape, Xeriscape. Russian sage is a very resilient, easy to grow plant. Apply the herbicide to the leaves of your Russian sage before it begins to flower in midsummer. Exceptionally strong stems keep it upright without flopping. All Rights Reserved. Protect your eyes with safety goggles, and cover your body with long-sleeved clothing and chemical-resistant gloves. Russian sage is a woody perennial that’s fully hardy here in Pennsylvania. See more ideas about Russian sage, Plants, Perennials. Pinching back involves using your fingernail to press into the plant stem to remove individual flowers. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a hardy, drought-resistant member of the mint family, though it grows with a slightly woody, shrub-like habit not unlike garden sage (Salvia officinalis). Would something like "SuckerStopper RTU" work? Where suckers are aggressive, treat the ground area with herbicide. Cut to the ground each spring to promote new growth. Jocelyn H. Chilvers Save Photo. Plant it alongside grasses or other dominant plants that can keep Russian sage in check without your constant management. I love the Russian sage because it has aromatic leaves with long stems of small but abundant flowers. Relieves Indigestion. Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season. How to grow a Russian Sage plant. Cut the plant down to the stump to simply dig it out of the ground. The plant is highly aromatic, which deters deer and rabbits from munching on it. Russian sage has household uses, as well, and is often used in dried flower arrangements and when making fragrant potpourris. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a hardy, drought-resistant member of the mint family, though it grows with a slightly woody, shrub-like habit not unlike garden sage (Salvia officinalis). Germination can take up to four months. 1 Response. A writer with a Bachelor of Science in English and secondary education, but also an interest in all things beautiful, Melissa J. Plant the removed portion elsewhere or discard it in your compost pile. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Illinois Gardener's Guide; James Alfred Fizzel. Russian sage is a beautiful perennial with small blue flowers that is neither Russian nor sage.Though it has the aroma of sage when the leaves are crushed, the plant is inedible and actually can be quite poisonous. Throw a shovel full of dirt over the base of several stems which have flattened to the ground in late summer, and allow them to root. Overgrown Russian sage can get straggly looking, but the plants can be revived with timely pruning and division. It does well in full, hot sun, has few insect predators and can survive in poor soil. Russian Sage Is Ongoing Battle. In this manner they effectively reduce the growth of the Russian sage. Remove dead leaves from around the base of the plant in late fall. Here's how you say it. Encyclopedia of Invasive Species; Susan L. Woodward, et al. Use herbal deer repellents and plantings that deer won’t like to eat. Growing Russian Sage From Plant Shoot - I don't have any russian sage plants, but our neighbors do … Its branches grow in an upright manner, forming a rounded, open shrub. I've declared war on my Russian Sage because it won't stay put. Treat the plant with an herbicide to kill it, using a product that contains prodiamine. in political science from State University of New York and a Master of Environmental Law and a J.D. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Plant of the Week: Russian Sage, Arkansas Cooperative Extension, Russian Sage is Not Foreign to Perennial Gardens, Iowa State U. What is the best way to control suckers from Russian Sage? 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. Q. Feb 10, 2020 - Explore DeAnne Dillard's board "RUSSIAN SAGE" on Pinterest. Throw a shovel full of dirt over the base of several stems which have flattened to the ground in late summer, and allow them to root. New growth is popping up feet from the original square ... Q. Keep A Russian Sage Plant From Spreading - How can I keep a Russian sage plant from spreading? Fence your property so deer and raccoons will look for a yard with an easier way in and out. A freelance writer since 1978 and attorney since 1981, Cindy Hill has won awards for articles on organic agriculture and wild foods, and has published widely in the areas of law, public policy, local foods and gardening. The highly aromatic leaves are gray-green and covered by a soft, downy fuzz. These include barberry, bayberry, and perennials like mint, Russian sage… Russian sage plants will grow large when well irrigated. With a flat-bladed shovel, sharply dig straight down through the plant and root stock at the desired division point. Leave upright stems standing through the winter. 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. Dig out the old plant and replace with the newly rooted plants. Russian sage garden plants are famous for its hardiness, making it popular with gardeners who work in harsh environments. Remove the excess portion of the plant. Since Russian Sage was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995, Perovskia atriplicifolia has greatly increased in popularity. Mix one part sand and one part compost and refill the hole left from the division removal with this mixture. Cut last year's stems down to about 6 to 8 inches from the ground in early spring using anvil pruners. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Some even uses the flowers in tea when experiencing stomach upset. Prune away outer stems which have fallen flat to the ground in late summer or early autumn to prevent them from rooting. Here’s what I’ve learned about how to grow Russian sage. If it flowers cut them off before they go to seed. Russian Sage has long been valued for soothing upset tummies, reducing fever and helping alleviate symptoms of cold and flu. This will also keep out stray dogs that may not be on flea and tick control. Russian sage thrives where many other plants fail; but a blessing can also be a burden, as the vigorous growth of the plant can overpower surrounding plantings. Russian sage tolerates hot and cold temps The soil must be semi fertile for the Russian sage to thrive, it can grow in less than ideal conditions but it is preferable to have ample sunlight and fertility in the soil. A sturdy perennial herb, Russian sage easily survives the mild Northern California climate with proper fall care and light protection against winter chill. Russian sage plants are common garden plants appreciated for its lovely flowers and its resistance to dry conditions. How to Grow Russian Sage. Russian Sage is very drought tolerant and attracts butterflies, plus it is low maintenance and easy to care for. By Dr. Curtis Smith For the Journal GARDEN VARIETY: Q: Last fall, I moved into a home in Albuquerque's foothills and the yard was covered with Russian sage. These plants compete with the Russian sage for water and nutrients. Ohio State University Extension: Controlling Weeds in Nursery and Landscape Plantings, Washington State University Clark County Extension: Russian Sage. Cut last year's stems down to about 6 to 8 inches from the ground in early spring using anvil pruners. Last fall we moved into a house that has Russian Sage planted on one side of the house and has lots of gravel spread around the plants. Pull the suckers out manually and put them into the trash. 1. Dig out the old plant and replace with the newly rooted plants. Pinch back long, sparse stems with few flowers. That will prevent them from spreading out of the pot and into other areas. It has fragrant leaves and it blooms from mid-summer season to the fall. Phosphorus is more important for flowering, so choose a high-phosphorus fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen (read the label for this information… Russian Sage is usually pruned every year to control the growth and to promote flowering. 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. Russian sage does poorly in wet soil conditions with poor drainage, and eventually dies from winter-kill. Jul 24, 2016 - Explore Julie Ratio's board "landscape ideas - Russian Sage" on Pinterest. Overwater your Russian sage plant to induce bad health and root rot. 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. Mix one part sand and one part compost and refill the hole left from the division removal with this mixture. For sites lacking these there is always fertilizer available. Planting Russian sage with other competing plants may require a large space, but is attractive and each plant's size is kept in check by the other plants. Russian sage's uses are many, with the plants frequently found anchoring both border and wildlife gardens. 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. How to Winterize Russian Sage. You can start Russian sage from seed, but you will need to be patient. It is understandable however that it gets lumped in with the other salvias, as it has a strong fragrance very similar to many varieties of sage. This semi-woody shrub hails from Afghanistan and is drought tolerant and disease resistant. Thinning the plant and pinching back represent the types of pruning that should be used to control Russian sage growth and flowering. While it’s called Russian sage, the perennial known as Perovskia atriplicifolia isn’t actually a sage at all. Barely reaching knee height, this dwarf Russian Sage is ideal for small gardens or displaying at the front of the border. It prefers very dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. I have a large goldfish pond and a previous home owner planted Russian Sage in a couple places around the pond. By its nature, it is a very floppy plant, prone to tumbling over other perennials. Russian sage seems to be a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde sort of plant. I made a wooden fence to put in front of it to keep it from falling over onto my other flowers. Russian sage is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. from Vermont Law School. 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