Perovskias, also called "Russian sage" and "Afghan sage", are magnificent small perennial bushes, much appreciated for their silver leaves and their lovely lavender-blue flowering. Although its colour is similar to that of lavender, Perovskia has a much taller, more slender and graceful habit. It brings lightness to perennial and bush borders, and also to informal hedges. If it can be forgotten during summer, Afghan sage must be pruned at the end of winter.

Discover our tips to know when and how to prune Perovskia.

Perovskia Russian sage

Perovskias atriplicifolia

Why prune Perovskia?

Severe pruning encourages the bush to ramify from the base and helps it keep a nice bushy form. Young shoots are more airy and produce a more abundant flowering. By pruning it every year, you will preserve its elegant upright silhouette and encourage flowering. Prune even young plants to densify them and make them more vigorous.

When to prune Perovskia?

Pruning of this deciduous bush takes place at the end of winter, between February and March, before growth resumes at the beginning of spring. If you live in a mild climate and your Perovskia still has leaves, no need to worry, your plant will regrow vigorously after pruning.

How to prune Perovskia?

Required equipment :

To prune Perovskia properly, you need a pruning shear and a pair of gloves. Always disinfect cutting tools with alcohol before use to avoid transmitting disease from one plant to another.

Pruning Perovskia

  • Wear gloves to protect hands
  • On a young plant : cut all shoots to 5 cm above soil.
Perovskias atriplicifolia pruning

Perovskia tolerates severe pruning well

  • On an older specimen : on each branch, locate junction between old wood and wood of the year. Cut new wood back to two buds, just above old wood. Old stems are recognised by their striate, wrinkled appearance.
Perovskias atriplicifolia pruning

Pruning should be carried out two buds above old wood

  • Remove dead branches or unsightly shoots right down to soil level to restore balance to the silhouette.
  • If Perovskia is too dense, thin the centre of the clump by cutting a few branches.
  • In May, you can pinch shoot tips (just pinch with your finger) to encourage ramification.

And afterwards?

  • You can add some potting compost, a handful of well-rotted compost or a little fertiliser at the base of your young plant. This top-dressing will help new shoots to take.
  • Its magnificent silver foliage will reappear in spring and will offer a profusion of small lavender-blue flowers from August.
  • During first year after planting, remember to water moderately if winter has been dry and during summer. Thereafter, Perovskia tolerates short periods of drought very well and will require no particular maintenance apart from this annual pruning.

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