Aug 10, 2016 - Learn about pruning Russian sage, including a few tips on Russian sage propagation, from the experts at HGTV Gardens. Russian sage is a 3 to 5-foot tall perennial with purplish blue flowers and silver foliage. This is an airy plant that makes a great specimen. Divide Russian sage in the spring while the plants are still small. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. The following is a guide to the dangers of growing Russian sage. Carefully dig around roots, starting one foot away from the plant base. Russian sage grows so well in hot, dry, sunny clay that in some areas it is considered invasive, so check local restrictions before planting it. Set the Russian sage in the center of the hole, so that the plant is as deep as it was before you dug it up. Do this just as the lower leaf buds are beginning to open, but before new growth fully starts. Often what seems like the flowers on Russian sage are actually the calyx,a tube that protects the flowers from damage before they bloom. Once they do germinate, it can be a few years before they are large enough to begin flowering. Russian sage is reliably hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Cut back stems to several inches above ground in spring to stimulate good seasonal growth. This perennial plant produces blue-violet blooms mid-summer to late fall. Russian sage forms a purple haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its purple spires of bloom. Russian sage, or Perovskia, is a late summer blooming perennial that bursts into flower like a cloud of blue. 10 Foolproof Perennial Plants for the Northeast U.S. 16 Silver Foliage Plants to Brighten Your Landscape, 10 Great Shrubs With Blue or Lavender Flowers, Best Perennials That Offer Long Bloom Periods, 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping. | Planting Time: Spring / Summer In the case of the Russian sage, the calyx is covered in coa… Plant forms a bushy upright clump of greyish leaves that are lacy and fragrant. Not to be outdone by its flowers, the plant's stems and foliage make a strong statement of their own, perhaps even outstrippi… Wear gloves when moving, as the leaves may irritate skin. My Russian sages have thrived in the full sun of southern New Mexico. Older plants do not divide well. These plants are very easy to grow. Prune sage bushes lightly in summer after flowering. Dig a hole that is as wide and deep as the transplant's root mass. The lavender-blue works especially well with whites and yellows and with other gray foliage plants. Although its branches are woody, like a shrub, the top portion of the plant may die back in cold winters. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Russian Sage (Perovskia) is a superbly-adapted shrub, suited to harsh, erratic conditions where it’s at its best. Move Russian sage immediately, preventing dry roots. Mar 16, 2015 - Russian sage is a perennial plant that can easily be transplanted to a well-draining soil location with proper care. Russian sage needs full sun to perform its best. Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. Choose a cool morning on an overcast day so the roots won't dry out quickly, and so the newly-divided plant will have time to establish in its new location. These offshoots do not transplant easily. The general rule of thumb is that spring and early summer blooming perennials should be divided & transplanted in the fall and late summer and fall bloomers in the spring. Russian Sage features delicate spikes of lavender flowers rising above the foliage from early summer to mid fall. Best Time to Transplant Trees and Shrubs. Set out new plants in early spring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet (.6-.9 m.) apart. Wear gloves when moving, as the leaves may irritate skin. Germination can take up to four months. like "Logi", or use something like pea brush to keep the weeping side from flopping. Russian Sage is an erect, perennial shrub that is clump-forming, 3-4' tall and 3-4' wide. One factor to consider, when you are thinking about the best time for transplanting big plants, is whether you will need to root prune. The stems can be woody, so thin them to encourage new growth. The fuzzy flowers are whorled around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene. Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 10. Its attractive fragrant narrow leaves emerge silver in spring, turning grayish green in color throughout the season. The grayish-green leaves of Perovskia are pungently scented, apparent when they are crushed or brushed against. Give Russian sage a well-draining soil and full sun for best growth. Some varieties of Perovskia have a somewhat weeping form. 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. Spring often works well, and fall is one of the transplanting seasons of choice. You can start Russian sage from seed, but you will need to be patient. The biggest maintenance requirement of Russian sage is pruning. Russian Sage can be planted in either the early spring or late fall. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, 14 Best Fall-Blooming Flowers for Your Perennial Garden, 14 Best Landscape Plants With Purple Flowers. Although Russian sage is extremely drought tolerant, new transplants will need regular water. The flowers form on new wood -- branches that grew during the current season. For now, feel free to continue reading. Although commonly known as Russian sage, the seven known species of this plant are not native to Russia but grow in an area stretching from … This is where Russian sage grows best. In the meantime, you will need to keep the seeds continually moist and warm. Russian sage is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. They tolerate poor soil, drought, and a wide range of soil pH. Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. Plant your Russian sage in full sun for the most dense vegetation and abundant display for flowers. Since it blooms on new wood, Russian sage is often treated as a perennial plant. Disclosure. They can become quite aggressive if you don't remove the new plants, roots and all, fairly soon. Softwood cuttings... Transplanting Russian … Most will reach a mature size of 4 ft. (H) x 3 ft. (W). These can be planted any time during the growing season. How to Transplant Russian Sage Russian Sage Varieties. Choose a location with hot, intense sun, even as hot as the space between sidewalk and street or a strip along a driveway… The flowers start off subdued and gain brilliance as they open, then gradually fade away again. Full sun for abundant flower blooms. These can be planted any time during the growing season. The plant does sprawl a bit, so it can be used atop a wall to spill over. Otherwise, leave the flower heads for winter interest. Should you cut it back, transplant it or stake it? They will start off growing tall and bend over under the weight of the flowers. Give it a little shade, and plants tend to flop open as stems stretch for sunlight. In warmer regions, deadheading may result in a second flush of bloom. A Lovely Mediterranean Border with Russian Sage and Lilies of the Nile Rich in texture and interest, this fragrant garden border features a fresh color palette of blue and purple perennial flowers. Light: Full sun is recommended for Russian sage. Russian sage is a woody subshrub. Plant these wonderful perennial plants near a pool where they can be reflected for double the pleasure. Rust is a fungal disease that reduces plant vigor, and if it gets terrible, the plant can die. Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Sage Rust. Choose a sunny site for your plants with soil that is on the grittier side (sandier loam) to promote good drainage and ensure a successful overwintering. Russian sage is particularly effective in the middle or back of a bed or as a mass planting. Late summer and early fall is the time to plant, divide, and transplant many different perennials, shrubs, and trees including spring flowering perennials. Inside the tube is a clean white color. … Many varieties of Russian sage have a somewhat weeping habit. If you are growing a Russian sage plant from seed, start indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. You can also plant them later in the summer as long as you get them in the ground six weeks before a hard frost. Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season. There, temperatures occasionally reached 105 degrees F. It will tolerate many soil types as long as it doesn't become waterlogged. Newer hybrids are sturdier and remain upright. However, it is an option and a good way to get a lot of inexpensive plants. This plant blooms in the summer. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Russian sage plants start blooming slowly, just hinting at their full color. If you are planting more than one, be sure to give each plant at least 2 - 3 ft. of space. Peonies are a good example of a plant that prefers to be transplanted in autumn if it must happen at all. The best times for transplanting perennials are the months when the weather is cool. Once established, the plants can start to spread by runners (it is in the mint family). Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a sturdy, drought-tolerate plant with attractive silvery-gray foliage. Russian Sage is extremely valuable for its long season of bloom in the summer garden. Do you have floppy Russian sage that is driving you crazy thinking about how to care for it? Where to plant: For the average gardener, pruning Russian sage typically occurs on the ends of the growing season—near the start and finish. Basic planting steps apply whether you're planting in spring, summer or fall: Dig a hole a little deeper and about twice as wide as the plant's root ball. Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to fall, this delicate-looking plant is a toughy that is resistant to drought, heat, pests and poor soils. Russian sage is usually grown from container plants. The flowers themselves are actually very small bluish purple in color with a four lobed upper petal and a smaller lower petal. Part sun conditions will cause the plant to become leggier and flop over. Russian sage comes in several cultivars, including Blue Mist (Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue... Rooting Russian Sage Cuttings. Because of its easy care and smoky-blue flower spikes, Russian Sage plants are one of the most common perennials featured in drought-resistant landscapes. Russian sage needs full sun to bloom well. They will quickly fill the space. In southern NH, October is the ideal time of year for fall division or transplanting. Start with your planting spot. ... such as Oriental Poppies or Russian Sage which have long taproots. It is a good plant for fall color in the garden, to use for dried or cut flowers, or to attract butterflies. It is recommended you divide plants every 4 - 6 years to rejuvenate them and to cut back on their ability to spread. It has an upright habit with grey-green leaves and can grow 1.5 to 4 feet tall. If you are planting more than one, be sure to give each plant at least 2 - 3 ft. of space. The long panicles of flowers become increasingly brilliant as they open. Russian sage is a perennial plant that can easily be transplanted to a well-draining soil location with proper care. It has fragrant leaves and it blooms from mid-summer season to the fall. The process tends to start sometime in July and continue through August. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) . If you want a more upright plant either choose a variety bred to grow upright. Choose a new planting location that is in the full sun. Space holes 18 inches apart if you're planting more than one. The blooms have darker markings from the upper petal into the tube. Spikes of rich violet-blue flowers appear in high summer, continuing into late fall. Since it is drought tolerant, once it is established, it can handle dry, hot areas well. Carefully dig around roots, starting one foot away from the plant base. Russian sage roots best from softwood cuttings taken in early summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Russian sage is usually grown from container plants. 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