Lawn Guardian

Russian Sage Care Guide

Salvia yangii

perennialZones 4–9deer resistant

Airy, lavender-blue flower spikes on silvery-white stems create a hazy, cloud-like effect from midsummer to fall. Extremely drought tolerant and deer proof.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Cut back hard When new buds are visible on stems

Cut all stems to 6-12 inches from the ground in spring. New growth emerges from the woody base.

Summer

No care needed Throughout summer

Russian sage is remarkably self-sufficient once established. Do not fertilize or overwater.

Fall

Leave stems for winter Fall

Silver-white stems are attractive in the winter garden. Do not cut back until spring.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns