Sprinkle
3 tablespoons of slow-release 5-10-5 fertilizer
around the base of the plant after pruning the Russian sage back. Scratch the fertilizer into the top inch of soil with a hand cultivator. Only fertilize once a year, because too much fertilizer produces quick weak growth in this plant.
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.
Should you fertilize Russian sage?
Russian sage does not require much fertilizer either
, but it will need a small amount of nutrients very seldomly. Every other year, around late fall, amend your soil with a handful of general purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost. … Russian sage is a member of the mint family and spreads by runners.
How often should you water Russian sage?
Newly planted Russian sage plants need to be watered
about once a week
until the soil is moist to a depth of about 1 inch. When the plants are established — typically after a year in their new location — watering only needs to be done in cases of extended drought.
Is Russian sage low maintenance?
Drought tolerant and low maintenance
, Russian sage is a no-fuss perennial that brings on the color all season long.
Why is my Russian sage dying?
The most frequent reasons for sage plants in need of reviving are… Root rot due to excess moisture around the roots because of over watering or slow draining soils. … Sage
dying in a pot due to the pot being too small or a lack of drainage holes in the base
.
Does Russian sage keep mosquitoes away?
Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but
they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away
. … The Dusty Miller plant has nice foliage color that helps repel the mosquito, according to Gaskins. Lemongrass smells just like lemon when the foliage is brushed.
How do you winterize Russian sage?
- Water Russian sage deeply in late autumn, as moist soil protects the roots in chilly weather.
- Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch evenly around the Russian sage plants. …
- Allow spent Russian sage plants to remain intact in autumn, and it will add interest to the winter landscape.
How do you keep Russian sage under control?
Treat the plant with
an herbicide
to kill it, using a product that contains prodiamine. Apply the herbicide to the leaves of your Russian sage before it begins to flower in midsummer.
Should I cut down my Russian sage?
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.
Does Russian sage bloom all summer?
Russian sage is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-
lavender flowers throughout the summer
.
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.
Which is better Russian sage or lavender?
Also,
lavender leaves
are juicier than Russian sage and very fragrant if crushed. Russian sage leaves are also fragrant but still not as intense as lavender. … So, lavender leaves are more ornamental and useful than Russian sage leaves.
Does Russian sage like sun or shade?
Light:
Full sun is recommended for Russian sage
. Part sun conditions will cause the plant to become leggier and flop over. Soil: Russian sage is a terrific choice for poorer soils that are on the rocky side. It does well in alkaline conditions (pH > 7) and does not tolerate boggy, acid soils.
Is Russian sage an invasive plant?
Russian sageshould be very near the top of that list for all that it adds to the landscape – color, texture, pollinators and presence. Though it isn't a native plant,
it is not invasive
and will stay where you plant it for many years – as long as you give it the well-drained conditions it needs.
Does Russian sage smell like lavender?
Depending on the location of the plant, where the foliage is borne, and the variety, the leaf edges may have a serrated or wavy edge. All parts of the Russian sage plant are quite fragrant when rubbed or crushed. Some people describe it as a sage-like smell,
sometimes mixed with lavender scents as well
.
