How to Grow Sagebrush

Sagebrush covers many areas of the Western U.S., including parts of Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico. The plant has silvery-gray evergreen leaves, small yellow flowers and a distinct, aromatic scent. Many people view sagebrush as a weed, but it makes an attractive shrub in a xeriscape landscape. Finding sagebrush plants at a nursery may be difficult. Visit specialty nurseries, or search online if necessary. When placing sagebrush in your yard, try to simulate its natural growing conditions, which are full sun and dry, sandy soil.

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Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Buy small, 1-year-old plants from a reputable nursery. These plants become established more quickly than larger plants. If you live near a natural area where sagebrush grows, it may be possible to transplant a small bush from that area. Check with local officials before digging plants, though.
- 2
  Find a sunny, dry location for the sagebrush. Amend the soil with 1 inch of compost and 1 gallon of coarse sand. Sagebrush will never grow well in wet, heavy soil.
- 3
  Dig a hole as large as the root ball for the sagebrush. Place the plant in the hole, firming the soil gently around it. Water the plant well immediately after planting to minimize transplant shock. Water the plant at least weekly during the first summer as new roots grow and the plant becomes established. Mature plants rarely need supplemental water if planted at an appropriate site.
- 4
  Prune dead or diseased limbs each spring. Sagebrush naturally forms gnarled, twisted limbs, especially in dry soil, but removing dead limbs keeps the plant healthy and improves its appearance.

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Shrubs