Plant care & info

Family: Lamiaceae

Genus: Perovskia

Common Name: Russian Sage

Central Asia, Himalayas, and the Middle East. A genus of 7 species.

Russian sage prefers a sunny site and well drained soil is a must.

To create a fuller shrub, plants can be pinched or cut back by one half when they are about 12” tall. This plant also benefits from heavy pruning each spring before new growth starts and seldom needs dividing.

There are no serious pest or disease issues.

With its shrubby habit, silvery grey-green leaves, beautiful lavender flowers, and long bloom time, Russian sage is an attractive addition to any border or bed. Once established, this plant is reliably drought tolerant. It also prefers hot, dry heat—so if you have a hot spot in your garden and just don’t know what to put there, this plant is for you.

Perovskia looks like a lavender on steroids with its own sweet, sage-like, high desert fragrance. The stems of this perennial can also be cut for dried flower arrangements or left on the plant for a nice fall color. Russian sage combines well with Rudbeckia, Agastache, sedums or ornamental grasses.

Explore More Russian Sage

atriplicifolia

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Lavender blue flowers on 3-4 foot tall x 2 foot wide plants, blooms July-Sept. The foliage is silvery gray-green and toothed on narrow, grayish white stems. Zones 4-9.

Filigran

Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Filigran’

Soft, lavender blue flowers on 3-4 foot tall x 2 foot wide plants, blooms July-Sept. The foliage is finely cut on a bushier, more compact plant. Zones 4-9.

Little Spire

Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Little Spire’

Lavender flowers on compact 2 foot tall x 2 foot wide plants, blooms July-Sept. Ideal for the smaller garden. Zones 4-9.

Longin

Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Longin’

Lavender blue flowers on 2-4 foot tall x 2 foot wide plants, blooms July- Sept. The foliage is silver, but not as toothed as P. atriplicifolia. Zones 4-9.