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Russian Sage #876464

Asked July 09, 2024, 10:07 AM EDT

Hi! I had Russian Sage almost exclusively in my front landscape beds next to my house. They were there when we moved in, planted by the builder I think. I enjoyed them for about 10 years but this year decided I needed something new and was tired of trying to wrangle the plant from spreading everywhere. I dug out all but one bush on each side of my walk. I pulled out as much of the root systems I could. I replanted smaller, non spreading bushes and the result was lovely. But now, as I expected, the off shoots are popping up through the rocks from where I missed roots. At first it was just a few and I pulled them. But it is overwhelming now as the little shoots are coming up all over. Please help me - is there anything I can spray to kill this plant? I haven't used chemicals on my gardens before and normally just pull my weeds, but this is too big a task I fear. I feel very defeated as the work I put in to changing the front beds was no small task. Thank you! Jen Donnelly Parker, CO

Douglas County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Jen,

Russian sage can be a bear to get rid of, you're right!

If you would like to use an herbicide, you might consider using glyphosate at the stump-killing concentration (stipulated on the label) since you are dealing with a shrub stump.  This will be applied directly to the freshly cut stems.  Because glyphosate does not have soil activity, the risk to your other shrubs is minimized.  Be sure to read and follow label directions.  You could also spray the shoots with glyphosate, this may take more than one application to completely kill the plant.

Other herbicides would work too, but be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing--many have soil activity that could damage your desirable shrubs.

I hope this is helpful.

Cordially,

John 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 6:01 PM EDT
Thank you so much for getting back to me.  I really appreciate the suggestion and your help.

Jen Donnelly

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2024 4:01 PM
To: Jennifer Donnelly <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Russian Sage (#0146382)
 
The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2024, 2:05 AM EDT

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