Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Characteristics

Culture

Russian Sage is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Sharp soil drainage is especially important. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Plants have good drought tolerance. Best flowering occurs in full sun locations. Stems are more likely to flop if plants are grown in part shade. Cut back plants almost to the ground in late winter to early spring as soon as new growth appears.  Admired for its silvery gray, fragrant foliage as much as its lavender-purple flowers, Russian sage makes a bold statement in the garden. The abundant, spiky clusters of flowers bloom from late spring until autumn, almost completely obscuring the leaves. Use as a ground cover for open areas or as a specimen plant.  It prefers very dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. If you would like to apply mulch around the plants, gravel is a better choice than organic mulch because it allows better moisture evaporation.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly called Russian sage, is a woody-based perennial of the mint family which typically grows 2-4′ (less frequently to 5′) tall and features finely-dissected, aromatic (when crushed), gray-green leaves on stiff, upright, square stems and whorls of two-lipped, tubular, light blue flowers tiered in branched, terminal panicles (12-15″ high). Long summer bloom period. Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year (1995).

Problems

 

No serious insect or disease problems. Plants tend to sprawl or flop over as the summer progresses.

Garden Uses

Mass or specimen in borders. Provides long summer bloom for the perennial border. Contrasts well with both pink (e.g., phlox, mallow, or roses) and yellow (e.g., rudbeckia) perennials.  Good Cut Flower.