Sage

[Normans Mum]

Hi all
Although most of my herbs made it through winter, my purple sage was looking a bit worse for wear and the heavy rain and wind had caused it to fall almost flat. So.. I cut it back. Almost to soil level. Will it recover? It was only put in last year. I plan to renew and/or take cuttings every 2-3 years any way, but it looks a bit sad at the moment.

[Mitzi]

To be honest, I'm not sure it will survive so harsh a pruning. What sort of soil is it in? If it's heavy soil and given Manchester weather I think I'd be giving it the last rites about now. If it's in light, free-draining soil then it's got a chance.

IME the purple and variegated sages are much more tender than the green one.

[nickdub]

Probably be fine, they are pretty tough - if you want some insurance and it starts growing again they are easy to propagate by layering.

[Normans Mum]

It's in fairly light, free draining soil. I will give it til the end of April, if nothing then will start again. Thanks for your help, Mitzi.

[Normans Mum]

Thanks nickdub.

[nickdub]

You're very welcome - hope it works OK :-)

[jdlondon]

layering? Is that when you lie a branch down and it develops roots, like with tomatoes?

[nickdub]

Yep - v easy with sage as the branches are springy - chop a bit of earth out from under said branch - push the branch down in - put some earth over it add a stone to keep it in place - water in Summer occasionally if dry - about a year later cut it off, and you have a new plant :-)