Lacey Blue Russian Sage. Lacy Blue Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia Lacey Blue) is a true dwarf cultivar discovered in an English garden and just recently introduced to the US. Its smaller size makes it very useful when space is an issue and a smaller version of Russian Sage is required.
In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. 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. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring.
Thereof, What can you use Russian sage for?
You can use the leaves for garnish or steep them in a tea that many claim eases digestive discomfort. While you can’t east Russian sage leaves, you can dry them to make a fragrant potpourri. You can also dry complete stalks of the Russian sage plant for use in dried flower arrangements.
Also to know is, When should you cut back Russian sage? In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. 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. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring.
Subsequently, question is, Does Russian sage need to be cut back? Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth.
Also, Is Russian sage medicinal?
A perennial plant with purple flowers, Russian sage not only looks great in a garden, but it also has a variety of medicinal benefits. Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. Tea made from Russian sage can also help break a fever.
Does Russian sage grow back every year?
Description. Russian sage belongs to a class of shrubs called subshrubs. New growth comes each year from a woody base, and flowering is on the new growth. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in winter, in early spring.
What can I plant instead of Russian sage?
There are actually quite a few smallish shrubs or shrub-like plants that have similar ornamental attributes to Russian Sage. Blue mist spirea has very similar flower color and timing to Russian Sage.
Can you plant Russian sage in a container?
Russian sage (Perovskia) is a very good plant for containers, especially large ones. Its elegant spikes of light lavender-blue flowers provide an airy contrast to perennials, annuals and small shrubs through the summer and into fall, while its pungent gray foliage is attractive for many months.
When should I cut back my sage?
Early spring is a good time to cut back sage. If the leaves are cut before winter, the plant might have difficulty to get through the winter time. Now, in February, the shoots can be cut back to about 5 cm. After pruning, when the weather improves, the sage will get new sprouts and grow bushier.
Does Russian Sage survive winter?
Russian sage is hardy in Zones 4 to 9. In warmer regions it may not die back much, if at all, during the winter months. In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in.
How do you prune sage for winter?
Make your cut just beneath the spent flower stem. In warmer climates, where salvia and sage plant stems remain alive throughout the winter, to rejuvenate and create fuller plants for the coming season you can cut the stems back by one-third to one-half their height in late winter or early spring.
Can you dry Russian sage?
While you can’t east Russian sage leaves, you can dry them to make a fragrant potpourri. You can also dry complete stalks of the Russian sage plant for use in dried flower arrangements.
Does Russian sage do well in pots?
Russian sage (Perovskia) is a very good plant for containers, especially large ones. Its elegant spikes of light lavender-blue flowers provide an airy contrast to perennials, annuals and small shrubs through the summer and into fall, while its pungent gray foliage is attractive for many months.
Should you cut down Russian sage?
Just be sure to wait until it is dormant, preferably after a frost. Objectives for pruning Russian Sage are: Removing dead twigs, removing broken or damaged branches, stimulating strong growth from a balanced framework of stems that will flower the following summer.
Can you transplant Russian sage?
Transplanting established Russian sage can be tricky. Dig a large perimeter around the plant, taking as much soil and root system with you as you can. The plant will likely go into shock after transplanting and could take a few months to come out of it. The best time to move Russian sage is in early spring.
What grows well with Russian sage?
Russian sage attracts butterflies and bees and is dramatic as an unsung cut flower. Combines perfectly with other low water plants like lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses, even pairs nicely with bold leafed succulents like large agaves and aloes.
Do you cut down Russian sage?
In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. 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. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring.
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