Russian sage is terrific
for long-blooming blue flowers

Like many gardeners, I love blue flowers, and the light blue flowers of Russian sage certainly deliver in that category.

The plant is a valuable long-bloomer, starting in July and going to the end of September, and sometimes even into October.

I've grown this perennial in richly amended clay garden soil, where it sulked. In my present garden, I have a half a dozen plants on a hot, sunny and dry hill in sandy soil and they seem to love it there, even in times of drought.

Perovskia in my garden with grasses,
sedum, Joe Pye weed and 'Tiger Eyes' sumac
Photo: © Y.Cunnington

The plant isn't really a sage, and it's not Russian either.

Perovskia is native from Afghanistan to Tibet and was named for a Russian general V.A. Perovsky; the botanical name is Perovskia atriplicifolia.

It was selected as the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995.

The plant's growth habit is upright and it is a slightly woody, almost shrub-like, perennial, although its greyish leaves and stems look quite lacy and delicate-looking.

The foliage is fragrant, and produces an aromatic sage-like scent when crushed.

Perovskia is the perfect choice for sunny, hot and dry climates and is excellent for xeriscape situations (dry land plantings that don't get extra watering). It doesn't do as well in the hot, humid south, where it tends to flop.

However, where it grows well, it makes a good late-season perennial garden filler plant that is attractive to butterflies. Good companions include brown-eyed Susan, purple coneflowers, sedums, ornamental grasses, Joe Pye weed and white Boltonia.

Care tips for Russian sage

Height and spread: 2 to 4 feet tall and about 3 feet wide

Soil, moisture and light: Medium to dry soil; very drought-tolerant (like all plants, do water it until it becomes established). Grow in full sun to prevent flopping.

Care: Prune plants back in spring after growth resumes, and cut to no lower than 6 inches. This plant isn't bothered by pests or diseases, and is deer-resistant. Rarely needs division. (In fact, woody perennials can be killed by division, so propagation is best done by cuttings.)

Cultivars: 'Blue Mist' has lighter flowers and is earlier blooming than the species. 'Blue Spire' has violet flowers and deeply cut foliage. 'Filagran' has more filigreed leaves and light blue flowers, lending it a delicate appearance.

For more information:

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