How to prune sage

Early spring as new growth emerges, and lightly after flowering in early summer. Cut back by one-third to one-half, targeting soft green stems. Shape to a rounded mound, removing dead and crossing stems. Never cut below the point where green leaves are present on a stem.

Annually (spring) + light trim after flowering. Sage needs annual pruning to stop it becoming a leggy, woody shrub with poor leaf production. Cut plants back by up to half in early spring as new growth breaks, and lightly again after flowering. Avoid cutting into old hard wood below green growth — it rarely re-shoots from there. Plants decline after 4–5 years and are best replaced.

Cut back by one-third to one-half, targeting soft green stems. Shape to a rounded mound, removing dead and crossing stems. Never cut below the point where green leaves are present on a stem.