sheared back to 6–8 in. in the early
spring to maintain a full form. Do not
do any hard pruning in late summer or
plants may not harden in time for the
winter. Plants can be grown exclusively
for foliar effect, in which case the
flowers are best sheared off when in
bud. If flowering is permitted, shear off
deadheads and shape plants before seed
formation, or the foliage may yellow
and decline due to energy expended
toward seed production. Wear gloves
and long sleeves when pruning rue, as
some individuals may develop a skin
irritation upon contact, which can be
accelerated by hot, sunny weather.
other maintenance Well-
draining soil is essential for survival.
Tolerates heat and drought. Can be
short-lived. Mulch in northern
gardens for the winter. Seldom needs
division.
related plantS Ruta graveolens
‘Jackman’s Blue’ is a compact, 18- to
24-in.-tall form that doesn’t seem to
require as much pruning to maintain
its form as compared to the species.
The new growth of ‘Variegata’ is forced
by early spring pruning, which
consequently enhances the
variegation.Salvia ×sylvestris
(syn. Salvia nemorosa)
meadow sage
lamiaceaeSpikes of violet-blue, pink, or white flowers;
oblong green leaves
18–36 in. high; 24 in. wide
Full sun
Blooms May–August
Zones 4–7
pruning Deadheading of perennial
salvia encourages a long bloom period.
Deadhead to lateral buds. The reddish
purple bracts that remain after
flowering further extend the interest
of the plant, and many gardeners opt
to leave the bracts on the plants for a
while before deadheading. Plants,
particularly older ones, have a
tendency to get leggy and open up as
the season progresses. If the appear-
ance declines, cut the plant down to
newly developed fresh basal foliage.
Later rebloom may sometimes occur,
although the blooms are usually
smaller and fewer in number than in
the initial bloom phase. If plants are
open and ratty after the initial
flowering, it may be best to simply cut
the plants down to basal growth,Ruta graveolens