Salvias, also known as sage, are herbaceous plants that can add color and life to your garden. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an excellent choice for any landscape design. Pruning salvias in spring is important for maintaining their health and promoting new growth. In this article, we will discuss how to prune salvias in spring.
Why Prune Salvias?
Pruning salvias serves several purposes: It keeps the plant healthy by removing damaged or diseased branches; it promotes new growth by encouraging the development of new shoots; it maintains the plant’s shape and size by controlling its height and width; and it increases flower production.
When to Prune Salvias
The best time to prune salvias is in early spring before they start growing actively. This timing allows you to remove dead or broken branches from last season without harming new growth that has yet to emerge.
How to Prune Salvias
There are two types of salvias: woody perennials (such as Salvia officinalis) and tender perennials (such as Salvia nemorosa). The pruning technique differs slightly between these two types.
Woody Perennial Salvias:
1. Remove dead or damaged branches – Use sharp pruners or scissors to cut away any dead, browned leaves or stems first.
2. Cut back old stems – Cut back about one-third of the previous year’s growth. Make sure you cut above a leaf node.
3. Trim lightly around mid-spring – Do not do heavy pruning after April so there won’t be damage on developing buds.
4. Shape the plant – If necessary, trim the sides lightly along with shaping top foliage.
Tender Perennial Salvias:
1.Timing – Wait until 6 inches tall before cutting off 2-3 inches outwards using shears
2.Remove spent flowers routinely throughout summer
3.Cut back to the ground in winter.
After pruning, remove any debris around the base of your salvias to avoid harboring pests and diseases.
In summary, pruning is essential for keeping salvias healthy and promoting new growth. The timing and technique vary depending on whether you’re dealing with woody or tender perennials. Don’t be afraid to prune – your plants will thank you!
