Question of the Week: Out of control Russian Sage

Q: Our Russian Sage grows out of control during the summer. I have them cut way back each fall, but wonder if there is a time in the summer when they could be trimmed? Not sure how this would affect blooms.

A: You can trim and shape Russian Sage however you would like to without hurting the plant. ut you run the risk of ruining the blooms for that year if you cut them too soon (before blooming) or too low (after blooming). There is a variety of Russian Sage called "Lacey Blue", that only reaches a mature height of 24-30" but it can be hard to find at times.