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Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)

Russian Sage

Award General
Perovskia Atriplicifolia, Russian Sage, Full sun perennial, Best performing perennial, Perovskia Blue Spire,  Perovskia Little Spire, Russian Sage Blue Spire, Russian Sage Little Spire

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) is a bushy, woody-based deciduous perennial with long terminal panicles of small, lavender-blue flowers, borne on thin white stems, clad with finely-dissected, aromatic gray-green leaves. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to fall, this delicate-looking plant is tough and is resistant to drought, heat, pests, and poor soils. Pretty and excellent for xeriscaping, its long blooming season makes it an extremely valuable addition to the garden – even in winter when the stems create a beautiful feature in the landscape.

  • Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995
  • Typically grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought and salt tolerant.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Attracts scores of pollinating bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
  • Russian Sage looks stunning in dry landscapes with other desert plants, in cottage or Mediterranean gardens, whether planted as singles or in clusters to intensify its presence, or even in a linear mass for knot gardens or small divider hedges. It associates wonderfully with other gray-leaved plants, such as Lavender, and contrasts beautifully with the bright colors of Echinacea (Coneflower), Helenium (Sneezeweed), and clump-forming grasses.
  • Cut back plants almost to the ground in late winter to early spring as soon as new growth appears.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
  • Perovskia atriplicifolia is native to Central Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.) and Tibet at elevations to 8,000 ft.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Perovskia
Common names Russian Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Blue Steel’ (Russian Sage)
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘CrazyBlue’ (Russian Sage)
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ (Russian Sage)
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Sage Advice’ (Russian Sage)
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Blue Jean Baby’ (Russian Sage)
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Rocketman’ (Russian Sage)

Recommended Companion Plants

Achillea (Yarrow)
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Echinacea (Coneflower)

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A Distinguished Border Idea
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Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Perovskia
Common names Russian Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Perovskia (Russian Sage)
Not sure which Perovskia (Russian Sage) to pick?
Compare Now

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