Pruning turkish sage
Advice for October in the Netherlands
This Turkish sage is herbaceous Phlomis russeliana. Its dry whorls can remain through winter; tidy old stems and damaged foliage selectively once you can distinguish new growth. Months are guidelines for the Netherlands and Belgium; also assess growth, flowering and the weather forecast.
Turkish sage — October
Check this first
Do not give an overall trim simply because of the month. Retain healthy stems, foliage and flowers; carefully tidy completely dead remains. Spring is a practical time for the main tidy, while removing faded flowers is a separate choice.
Pay attention to this
- This advice does not cover woody Phlomis fruticosa.
- Do not cut through healthy green basal leaves.
- Check old and new stems separately; avoid blind, level shearing.
Frequently asked questions
- Must brown whorls be removed immediately?
- No. Spent stems have ornamental value and may remain until tidying.
- Is Turkish sage a shrub?
- This page covers Phlomis russeliana, a perennial. Other Phlomis species can be woody shrubs.
- What should I do with old leaves among new rosettes?
- Cut away only dead or badly damaged leaves without harming new rosettes.