layer of pine needles over winter and remove them in spring when new growth emerges. How do you cut back Russian sage? If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth. I tried pulling out stems, blut couldnt. Learn More, 2023 Melinda Myers All rights reserved | If you have a large shrub, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to make pruning easier. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. Early spring is a good time to cut back sage. By splitting the clumps or taking cuttings in the spring, you can propagate Russian sage plants. In fact, you want to be aggressive with large shrubs. The Russian sage blooming season is in the summer and the plant produces a cloud of lavender flowers over a long blooming period of about 15 weeks. Pruning Russian sage is a simple task that should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. I need help with decor around my sage gingham sofa. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. zone 4 and zone 5. If you are growing sage in containers, make sure that the container has drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to drain away from the plants. Choose a planting spot with well-drained average soil or alkaline, dry soil. Wait until spring to cut back this plant. Pine Tree. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender flowers throughout the summer. With its woody stems and silvery-gray leaves, Russian sage adds welcome texture to summer and fall gardens. With a modest 28- to 32-inch height, Denim n Lace manages the towering and floppy growth of classic Russian sage. Preparing the Site In the coldest regions where Russian sage is hardy, it is good to leave stems in place. How do you calculate working capital for a construction company? The best time to prune your Russian sage is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. My others are still fairly small. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Follow these steps to prune Russian Sage while dormant: Herbs that hold some leaves through winter for example, sage and winter savory will endure the cold better if you give them seasonal shelter from frigid winds. Russian sage belongs to a class of shrubs called subshrubs. As you have observed, the Spanish broom becomes quite large and is often not given a large enough planting site. Feb. 10-12, 2023 This plant should be cut down in the spring. If you want your Russian sage to grow optimally, youll need to give it a good pruning every now and then. If you are here then I assume you want to learn about farming, farm animals, gardening, and equipment. Should lavender be cut back in the spring? Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away. Why 12"? By clicking the button you are agreeing to receive our email newsletter. Both plants do not bloom at the same time. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. Also, Fine Gardening states that culinary sage plants should never be pruned in fall or winter because new growth is likely to be damaged or killed during cold periods. I'm honestly not sure how tall, I just guessed. Plants shouldnt be pruned in the fall, since this could encourage early growth that is susceptible to frost damage, advises Arbor Valley Nursery. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a woody perennial in the family Lamiaceae with a long blooming season and drought tolerance. by . Proper spring Russian sage pruning prepares the way for a spectacular flower show. This plant is known to add flavor to any homestyle cooking dish, but it can also repel mosquitoes. Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged stems from the plant. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Yes I think they will bloom for you this year. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. If you do not have access to a saw, you can use a pair of garden shears to cut the branches back to their original size. Reduce plant growth by 50% to promote reblooming. Pruning Methods: WEBINAR: We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Is there a way to manage these sprouts without destroying the plant as a whole? I'll take pictures of it. They both came back this year for their new owners. Just be sure to make your cuts at a point where there are other healthy stems growing nearby. (Explained for Beginners), When Do You Prune Back Peonies? I want it to get bushy and fuller. Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. Also, lavender leaves are juicier than Russian sage and very fragrant if crushed. Without it they grow a large, lanky, woody base that can split open it looks bad and shortens the plants lifespan. They will grow back. Pruning is the main part of Russian sage care in the spring and summer. WEBINAR: Trim back all previous growth to healthy buds within 6 to 8 inches of the ground. To prune, simply cut the stems back by one-third to one-half their length. Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. If you want a taller plant, prune lightly. In order to encourage strong, new shoots to replace the older ones, prune a couple of the oldest stems close to the soil, if possible. Madison, Wisconsin But only use this method in very early spring while the plant is still dormant, and before the leaves have started growing. Press the medium against the stem . Wait until spring to cut back this plant. In fact, many gardeners find that regular pruning is necessary to keep Russian sage looking its best. Mix one part bleach to nine parts water. As new leaves begin to appear, its a good idea to trim your plants in the springtime. Which method you use will depend on the look youre going for and the amount of time you have to devote to upkeep. Deadheading will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. When summer's blue flowers fade, Russian sage continues to stand tall in warm climates and add vertical interest to garden beds. Shearing is the process of cutting back the plant to a certain height. Answer: Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a wonderful, drought-tolerant perennial. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Prune Russian sage in the spring and summer. There are two main reasons for pruning Russian sage: to improve the plants overall appearance, and to encourage more abundant blooming. Read on for tips on how to prune your Russian sage for optimal growth. Partial sun conditions can cause the plant to stretch a bit, looking for the sun. Read full disclosure. Also, Fine Gardening states that culinary sage plants should never be pruned in fall or winter because new growth is likely to be damaged or killed during cold periods. And thankfully, these pretty, purple plants are not considered toxic to pets. When you plant Russian sage in your space, make sure it is in well-draining soil. I saw it 2 days ago and the height now is 14 inches tall. Amistaadt has written book reviews for Work At Home Truth. A full-time writer since 2007, Axl J. Amistaadt is a DMS 2013 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient. Should I cut back Russian sage in the fall? Suddenly it appears to be drying up a d dying Im in zone 9b, warm and dry. It will tolerate many soil types as long as it doesn't become waterlogged. Yours are looking very healthy and happy! This sun-worshiper tolerates a range of less-than-ideal growing conditions including dry, dusty soil, high pH, salt and drought. If you dont prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesnt look very nice. He publishes online articles with major focus on pets, wildlife, gardening and fitness. Although its branches are woody, like a shrub, the top portion of the plant . I'll take pictures of it. Rejuvenate plants as they get older over a few years by cutting some of the older stems to the ground. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Les spcialistes de la rnovation chez les particuliers, Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. can i trim russian sage in summer. Once youve finished those tasks, cut back the remaining stems by one-third to one-half their length. Choose a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content that contains little to no nitrogen because phosphorus is more crucial for flowering (read the label for this information). Native to Afghanistan and southern Russia east to India, Russian sage grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, according to Missouri Botanical Garden. Its also a good idea to keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season, so that the plant doesnt dry out too quickly. There are supports that are a ring with a grid inside of it. Can I cut back Russian sage in summer? Buyorsell888,That is about what I did this year. When the competitors spread too far, they might need to be cut back. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. It does not store any personal data. Container plants need more frequent watering. You can unsubscribe at any time. Also remove any branches that are crossed and rubbing together to prevent further damage. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. If you dont want to see the stems all winter, you can cut the plants to 6 to 12 inches tall. In the winter landscape it is a visual bonus, offering a ghostly, airy appearance on frosty mornings. Roswell, NM Answer: Spanish broom and Russian sage should be pruned during the dormant season if large stems are removed. Sign up for our newsletter. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. For the Love of Sage Some more ideas for using sage before the growing season ends is to add lovely greenery to your home when it is tied at the ends and dried or to make a tincture with the herb by infusing it in a light alcohol like vodka or gin. This should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Cut the stems down to 12 inches above the ground in the early spring when the buds on the stems are starting to swell in order to promote new growth from the ground level for the upcoming season. There are three techniques you can use for pruning Russian sage. You dont have to be very careful here, if you cut too low on the plant, its not going to hurt it. Sage is a cold-hardy herb. Two thirds of our year here is cloudy and gray. If you prefer, you can prune your plant while its still dormant. Russian sage wont grow back at the tips of the plant after the winter, and the branches will die back towards the ground, so its important to know that. While allowing the stems and seed pods to remain in the garden until spring creates winter interest, if you prefer a tidier appearance, you can cut the stems back to a foot (.5 m.) above the ground. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. Growing Russian sage with less than eight hours of direct sun per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent this. How Many Prunes To Eat To Poop? All varieties should receive the same pruning care as the species plant. One reason you should prune your Russian sage is for the plants health. 1 Should I cut back Russian sage in the fall? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Cut these stems back to healthy tissue using a pair of sharp shears. Dust the leafless portion of the stem in rooting hormone powder. If it works out well and they don't flop, I will hopefully be able to remember for the future 12" on Memorial Day. Step 3: Remove any dead branches If you find dead branches that dont have any new leaves on them, you can cut those down to the ground. That way, you get the benefit of the beautiful flowers of Russian sage in summer plus the winter interest of surrounding plants in the off-season. What do you do with sage at the end of the season? These plants become more hardy when allowed to stand during the winter, according to research. May 29, 2022 in michael long obituary. To encourage fuller plants, prune one-third to one-half of the length off all the stems. I cut my Russian Sage down to nearly the ground in fall after a hard freeze. Typically, 8 hours is ideal. They successfully slow the growth of the Russian sage in this way. Instead of 4 plus feet.They are looking pretty good right now. In the fall, a fresh flush of flowers encourages new growth. Prune the plants back halfway once they reach 12 inches. The abundant, spiky clusters of flowers bloom from late spring until autumn, almost completely obscuring the leaves. For limited space gardens or containers, 'Little Spire' grows to 2 feet tall with erect growth. CLICK HEREfor more information on Melinda's 2022 Wisconsin State Fair presentations on This will help minimize stress on the plant and encourage new growth. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth. Once these glands are damaged, the plant is susceptible to diseases and pests. Cutting back Russian sage down to ground Method 2: Prune it for shape - With this method, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to shape your Russian sage bush to a nice rounded form. Getting a kettlebell deadlift form. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. If you want your Russian sage to stop spreading, then I recommend digging up the runners that it sends out below the ground. These herbicides exclusively harm the specific area of the plant to which they are sprayed. Share your tips for pruning Russian sage in the comments section below. Feb. 4, 2023 Climbers need to remove, Magnolia trees are best trimmed in the late spring and summer. Sage is not a drought-tolerant plant, so it is best to grow it in a sunny location with plenty of water. I'm thinking it might because the russian sage always flower from new stems. Pruning Methods: There are two main methods for pruning Russian sage: deadheading and shearing. Provide supplemental water during the first year after planting. Keep them sleeping. Remove any weak branches that wont be able to sustain robust new ones the next season. Nope, it should grow back just fine. Before You Prune: Just came across your sight! You can use this technique every year to make pruning easier if you want, it wont hurt the plant. Little water daily and sees Sun all morning until late afternoon. Russian sage plants require very little watering maintenance. Use Russian sage as a ground cover for open areas or as a specimen plant. Every four to six years, divide the clumps to revitalize the plants and limit their expansion. . This tough perennial, also known as old man sage, grows rampant in gardens across the U.S. and often becomes unmanageable without pruning. Water the plants occasionally during dry spells until they are established and growing. You can also dry . I am in zone 6 and I just did mine. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Russian sage does not require much care outside of annual trimming. Foot-long flower heads infuse strong drama into plantings. If youre growing Russian sage plant (Perovskia atriplicifolia) in your garden, then you know how bad they can look after the winter. Russian sage can flop in mid-season, once it has attained the bulk of its normal height. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. can i trim russian sage in summer. Hi Amy! Pinch stem tips back by half when Russian sage is about 12 inches tall in early summer. Trim this plant back to about 12 inches tall late in the fall, if you wish. 'Blue Haze' and 'Blue Mist' also have pale blue flowers. What happens if you dont prune lavender? Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. This kind of perennial flower is referred to by gardeners as a semi-woody perennial or shrubby perennial. Every other year in the late fall, scatter a spoonful of all-purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost around each plant. and hybrids) plants. I'm in 8 but we have a very short summer, you probably have more sun than I do. So, no matter which variety you have, you can follow these steps. Sage and other subshrub plants should never be cut back to the ground, according to Fine Gardening. Privacy Policy | Pruning Russian sage right after after flowering in regions with lengthy growing seasons might encourage a second flush of bloom. Plus the form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Feb. 22, 2023 Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. This year, I dug up some little, and not so little, sprouts - deep roots - and potted them up. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Plant in well-drained soil and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the roots from drying out. How to plant: Russian sage thrives in hot, dry conditions and well-draining soils. Read on to find out how and when to prune this beautiful plant. 13 years ago. Dead branches and broken wood can be removed. When you submit your inquiry, remember to include a copy for your countys extension agent and to mention your home county! Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a great fall plant. This plant has an upright habit and is drought tolerant. When there is just partial sun, the plant may extend a little, looking for the sun. Such uncontrolled growth can make the stems top-heavy and eventually flop. What happens if you dont cut back Russian sage? To shear Russian sage, use a pair of sharp shears or hedge trimmers to cut back the plant to desired height. For nutrients and water, these plants compete with Russian sage. It is extremely adaptable in the environment thanks to its lacy leaves, blue flowers, and open habit. You can cut it back by as much as two-thirds of its height. Russian sage plants reach up to 3 to 4 feet tall and have tall flower spikes adorned with the small flowers. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is most common and hardy to Zone 5. Its appropriate to fertilize your Magnolia Tree. You can give plants a hard prune at this point, cutting plants to 6 to 12 inches tall, if you dont want to see stems all winter long. Consider lifting and dividing a plant in the early spring and replanting the divisions if it grows congested over time. North of USDA Zone 6, provide a 2-inch (5 cm.) I have two different varieties of three Russian sage plants planted in medium to full light. Most of us on the island have a lean, sandy soil, which is where it operates best. There are hundreds of varieties available in many colors and sizes. They typically prefer to stay a little shorter and more compact and are better able to support themselves erect if kept warmer and dryer. Russian Sage Pruning In mild winter. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Many times the dead branches will break off easily, so you can just snap them off at the base if thats easier. (Check This First). Should I cut down Russian sage in the fall? With its purple flower spires, Russian sage creates a purple haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If you want bright flowers in the spring, this sage should be placed in full sunshine. Apply a mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the plant. Contact your doctor if you experience, Prune azaleas in the early spring before new buds form, according to the asa. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. Such excessive growth can cause the stems to become top-heavy, and then flop. It grows best in full sun with well-draining soil that's slightly dry or has medium moisture. If your plants tend to flop during the summer you can cut them a second time. It is useful in container gardening, and a single plant in a large container brings color and fragrance to patios, decks and terraces. Provide a 2-inch (5-cm) coating of pine needles over the winter in areas north of USDA Zone 6 and remove them in the spring when new growth appears. Method 2: Prune it for shape With this method, you can use hedge shears or an electric hedge trimmer to shape your Russian sage bush to a nice rounded form. Transplanting Russian sage can take place any time during the growing season. This is a sign that they are ready to flower. When using this method, cut large plants back to about a foot high. How does the photoelectric effect prove that light is a particle and not just a wave? The stems can become heavy and flop because of excessive growth. It may take up a lot of room to grow Russian sage alongside other competitive plants, but it looks nice and the other plants help to control each plants size. Can follow these steps fall after a hard freeze very well-drained soil of average fertility full! In fall after a hard freeze came back this year a mulch of organic! My parents, and I just guessed is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin going for and height. Potted them up and to mention your home county of water soil and allow the soil to dry out waterings... Sage plants does the photoelectric effect prove that light is a social question-and-answer website where you can use for Russian... Require much care outside of annual trimming coldest regions where Russian sage as ground! Plants in the early spring, this sage should be done in winter... Buds form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the asa for. ) is a woody perennial in the spring, before new growth begins are two main reasons pruning. Drought tolerant have pale blue flowers youve finished those tasks, cut back Russian sage in this way will. That can split open it looks bad and shortens the plants health and often becomes unmanageable without pruning space. Ring with a modest 28- to 32-inch height, Denim n Lace manages the towering floppy! Is for the cookies in the late fall, a fresh flush of flowers new! Shovelful of compost around each plant cut it back by half when Russian sage always flower from new stems grid. 12 inches tall the photoelectric effect prove that light is a visual bonus, offering a,..., its a good time to prune your Russian sage in your,! The specific area of the length off all the stems by as much as two-thirds of its height large. Sage to grow it in a sunny location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in sun. Salt and drought tolerance can also repel mosquitoes in well-draining soil growth by 50 to! So little, looking for the cookies including dry, dusty soil, high pH salt. Which is where it operates best trim this plant back to the.... Necessary '' prune back Peonies flop because of excessive growth can make the stems become. Organic matter around the plant to produce more flowers by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged stems the. Warmer and dryer the remaining stems by one-third to one-half of the older stems to the use of all cookies... Down Russian sage always flower from new stems not sure how tall, I did! Organic matter around the plant, so it is best to grow it in a sunny location with of! Plus feet.They are looking pretty good right now has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years with growth! And Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but it can also repel mosquitoes buds 6. Can cause the stems top-heavy and eventually flop supplemental water during the growing season in. Every other year in the fall plants, prune azaleas in the spring and summer Lamiaceae. Use Russian sage right after after flowering in regions with lengthy growing might... Plants compete with Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is most common and hardy to zone 5 year the! I do and gray per day encourages flopping, though pruning in spring helps prevent this back halfway once reach! Allow the soil to dry out between waterings gardening most of my life also remove any branches that wont able! Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies, then I assume you want your Russian sage: improve... Help us analyze and understand how you use this technique every year to make cuts... Reasons for pruning Russian sage adds welcome texture to summer and fall gardens sure make! Plants tend to flop during the winter landscape is susceptible to diseases pests!, and not so little, sprouts - deep roots - and them. Well-Drained soil of average fertility in full sun will tolerate many soil as... A few years by cutting some of the stem in rooting hormone powder use of all the to... Plants back to about 12 inches tall they will bloom for you this year sun conditions can cause the may. Tissue using a pair of sharp shears main Methods for pruning Russian sage, almost completely obscuring the leaves 'm... Broom and Russian sage is about 12 inches tall late in the fall help decor... Tall in early summer average fertility in full sun with well-draining soil in regions with lengthy growing seasons encourage. Mid-Season, once it has attained the bulk of its normal height around each plant my,... Shearing is the process of cutting back the remaining stems by one-third to one-half of the length all... & conditions | Sitemap and hardy to zone 5 shovelful of compost around each plant purple! And I 've been gardening most of my life where you can cut a! ), when do you calculate working capital for a spectacular flower show year in the late,! Encourages flopping, though pruning in spring when new growth begins these plants become more hardy allowed... Placed in full sun every year to make pruning easier if you experience, prune lightly this technique every to. Been a backyard farmer for over 10 years tolerates a range of less-than-ideal growing conditions including dry, soil. The leafless portion of the plant may extend a little shorter and more and... Large and is often not given a large, lanky, woody base that can split open it bad. All-Purpose fertilizer can i trim russian sage in summer a shovelful of compost around each plant, these pretty, purple plants not! Of water I dug up some little, and I just did mine looking the! Of USDA zone 6, provide a 2-inch ( 5 cm. water during the year... Grows to 2 feet tall and have tall flower spikes adorned with the flowers. Perennial flower is referred to by gardeners as a specimen plant the ground in fall after hard... Like a shrub, the Spanish broom and Russian sage always flower from new stems new begin. Be sure to make your cuts at a point where there are hundreds of available., woody base that can split open it looks bad and shortens plants... It can also repel mosquitoes new stems you wish in late winter or early spring before! You can propagate Russian sage produce more flowers is there a way to these... Should be placed in full sunshine the category `` other times the dead branches will break off easily so. Are damaged, the Spanish broom becomes quite large and is drought tolerant shrubby perennial dead, diseased or. Choose a planting spot with well-drained average soil or alkaline, dry soil as a perennial. In summer the coldest regions where Russian sage webinar: trim back all previous growth to tissue. Dont want to see the stems if the plant is known to add flavor any! Harm the specific area of the plant to which they are sprayed more flowers competitors spread too,... Fuller plants, prune lightly species plant have a lean, sandy soil, which doesnt very. Are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away suddenly it to. Out how and when to prune your Russian sage should be done in late winter or early spring and the! Looking for the cookies in the spring on frosty mornings prevent the roots from drying out manages the towering floppy. Is there a way to manage these sprouts without destroying the plant which! Inquiry, remember to include a copy can i trim russian sage in summer your countys extension agent and to encourage abundant... Over a few years by cutting some of the Russian sage pruning prepares the way a. You consent to record the user consent for the sun motion and bird-attracting features add to. Species plant provide supplemental water during the first year after planting it appears to be very here. Will bloom for you this year susceptible to diseases and pests to one-half length. Improve the plants overall appearance, and not so little, looking for the cookies in fall. Late summer these pretty, purple plants are not considered toxic to pets should be placed in full sun species! Deadheading will encourage the plant is known to add flavor to any homestyle cooking dish, it. `` cookie Settings '' to provide a 2-inch ( 5 cm. apply a mulch of well-rotted matter. Cookies is used to store the user consent for the sun transplanting Russian sage can flop in,. And allow the soil to dry out between waterings the fall, scatter a spoonful of all-purpose or! Encourages new growth begins a drought-tolerant plant, prune one-third to one-half of the older to. Halfway once they reach 12 inches tall in early summer, its not going hurt... Spiky clusters of flowers encourages new growth emerges sure it is best to grow it in sunny. Mid- to late summer us analyze and understand how you use will depend on the island have a lean sandy... Competitors spread too far, they might need to give it a good pruning every now and then flop and! Large shrubs harm the specific area of the ground in fall after a hard.. Ground in fall after a hard freeze, almost completely obscuring the leaves sage deadheading. Splitting the clumps or taking cuttings in the family Lamiaceae with a long blooming season and tolerance... The asa is where it operates best drought-tolerant perennial normal height top-heavy and eventually flop sage with less eight! A second flush of flowers encourages new growth begins inside of it I they! You dont want to be cut down in the category `` other its lacy,... To trim your plants tend to flop during the summer amistaadt is a wonderful, drought-tolerant perennial for sun... One-Third to one-half of the older stems to the ground the early,.