Pruning woodland sage
Advice for August in the Netherlands
This advice covers perennial woodland sage (Salvia nemorosa), the salvia most often planted in borders.
Woodland sage — August
Wait a little longer
Outside early spring and the light tidy after the first flush it is better to leave woodland sage standing. The old stems protect the heart of the plant in winter, and autumn pruning leaves the clump needlessly vulnerable. Clear it in February or March instead.
Pay attention to this
- Leave the old stems as winter protection.
- Biggest mistake: removing all winter protection too early.
- Always allow for frost and for differences between species and positions: postpone pruning during prolonged frost or when night frost is forecast.
See exactly where to cut
With real hands-on videos in the SnoeiWijs Tuinclub.
Frequently asked questions
- When should you cut back woodland sage?
- Clear the old stems in February or March, once the frost risk has sufficiently passed. In June and July take the plant back lightly after the first flush.
- How do I trim salvia after the first flowering?
- Keep it light and remove the spent spikes neatly instead of just snipping off the tips.
- Can I cut salvia back in autumn?
- Better not. The old stems protect the heart of the plant in winter; wait until early spring.