Hi Carrie! I haven't cut mine back yet here in Columbus. I imagine when things warm up a bit this weekend I will start more spring cleanup. I am guessing that when I cut back, there will be new growth. Don't know about your situation down south...

From what I have always read, don't cut Russian Sage back til you see new growth or you risk killing it. I'm not sure why it would kill it, but I don't take chances, I really like my Russian Sage. I was just barely seeing new growth on mine last week, hadn't cut back yet, so I will wait til I see it growing again before cutting back.

Thanks for the replies, but... the new growth is black!
'So.... do I cut it down to the ground? wait for new leaves to emerge then cut?... Hmmm dilemma, or experiment? I'll keep you posted.

Carrie

Carrie-
I cut mine back to about 5" every late spring here in central Illinois, expecially when I see some sign of growth. Many of mine didn't even show any green growth when we cut them back. They are extremely tough plants...I have never lost one yet, infact they reseed all over and I have to pull some out. I'm thinking the 'black' will fall off, and the new green growth will come soon.

I cut my russian sage to the ground before i even do regular fall cleanup, cuz its so huge, and flops over other plants. It has defied attempts to dig up and make it smaller and more managable, and now has several babies nearby. It seems to do best in awful soil. i.e. sand, gravel, builders backfill, etc. evidenced by chunks that Ive transplanted to other gardens and better soil, hey, they just dont do nearly as well.
Pondy

Russian Sage is classified as a "subshrub". I would imagine that it's care might vary from zone to zone, but here in my garden, it's sure death to cut it back before it shows new growth in the spring. (There are many other plants like this, many Salvias and artemisias among them.) I read that it's because the cut stems are hollow and winter rain will collect in them causing the plant to rot. I've never been able to see the "hollowness" but this rule has surely proven true for me. If I were you, I would leave the Russian Sage alone until it sprouts new growth again (as it most likely will), and then when it gets going well, cut the dead part back. Actually, it will probably just snap off.

Thanks, donna - That's exactly what I did - I am just leaving them alone and hope for the best. They were leafing out so nicely before the cold snap - but then again, a lot was damaged that week.

Thanks - Carrie