Growing Russian Sage for Your Summer Garden

BASICS

Botanical name:

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Zones:

4-9

Height/Spread:

2 to 4 feet tall & wide, depending on variety; newer cultivars grow in the 2-1/2-foot range

Exposure:

Full sun

Bloom Time:

Early summer to fall

Color and characteristics:

Lavender-blue to violet, two-lipped, tubular flowers bloom along 12- to l5-inch-long panicles. Although the individual flowers are tiny, they are abundant and closely spaced, intensifying their overall impact. The brightly colored calyxes remain, making the plant appear to be in bloom well after it has finished flowering.

Toxicity:

The leaves are toxic if ingested.

HOW TO PLANT

When to plant:

Container-grown plants are best planted in late spring once the soil warms up, which will encourage faster growth. You can also plant them later in the summer as long as you get them in the ground six weeks before a hard frost. If you are growing a Russian sage plant from seed, start indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Where to plant:

A sunny spot in well-drained soil is all this plant asks for, making it ideal for hot, dry climates. It also tolerates alkaline conditions and is a good choice for seaside gardens. Avoid planting in shade or overly fertile soil, which can make it floppy and inhibit blooming.

What to plant:

Container-grown and bare-root plants are widely available at nurseries and garden centers because they are easy to plant and will bloom the first season. Although some varieties can be grown from seed, they are harder to find and can take a long time to germinate. Unless you have a lot of patience, look for cultivars that will bloom the first year when grown from seed, such as ‘Blue Steel’.

Spacing:

Newly planted specimens take a year or two to become established but form substantial clumps over time, so space plants at least 2 feet apart.

RUSSIAN SAGE CARE

Water:

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. After plants become established, they tolerate drought without complaint and rarely need supplemental watering. The plant's vigorous root system helps it withstand scorching-hot summers and dry spells.

Pruning:

Cut the woody plant stems down to about 6 inches in early spring to make way for new growth. You can also do a light pruning in early summer if you want to reduce the height and make plants look fuller. For winter interest, leave the seedheads and silvery stems in place until spring.

Fertilizer:

Don’t bother. Russian sage will perform just fine without it. At most, apply a light layer of compost in the spring.

Staking:

Although the foliage of taller varieties can be a bit lanky, staking can be avoided by locating your plants where the foliage can flop gracefully or near other perennials that provide support. Newer cultivars, like 'Denim 'n' Lace', are more compact and don't require staking.

Dividing:

Unlike other mint family plants, the roots of Russian sage do not spread rampantly, so division is rarely required. It can also be difficult because of the plant’s woody base.

Winter care:

Rarely daunted by harsh winters; but in colder zones, cover plants with a layer of mulch for extra protection.

Diseases and pests:

This naturally aromatic plant repels insects, and diseases are practically unheard of. The biggest problem is root rot, which can be caused by poor drainage and prolonged exposure to wet soil.

RUSSIAN SAGE PICTURES

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Photo by: Proven Winners

'Denim 'n' Lace' Russian sage — Buy now from Proven Winners
Perovskia atriplicifolia

Height: 28 to 32 inches
Spread: 34 to 38 inches
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to mid-fall

Named as Proven Winners’ 2020 National Perennial of the Year, this new compact cultivar features lacy sky-blue flowers held by colorful amethyst calyxes that remain after the blooms have faded, extending the season of interest. Exceptionally strong stems keep it upright without flopping.

Photo by: Mona Larochelle / Millette Photomedia

'Lacey Blue'
P. atriplicifolia

Height/Spread: 18 to 24 inches tall & wide
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall

Barely reaching knee height, this dwarf Russian Sage is ideal for small gardens or displaying at the front of the border. Despite its shorter stature, it boasts exceptionally large lavender-blue flowers that go on for months, lasting well into fall.

Photo by: Peter Turner Photography / Shutterstock

'Blue Spire'
P. atriplicifolia

Height/Spread: 3 to 4 feet tall & wide
Bloom Time: June to September

One of the tallest Russian sages, growing to about 4 feet. The flower spikes alone are nearly a foot long and smothered with clusters of violet-blue blossoms from midsummer into fall.

Photo courtesy Ball Hort

'Blue Steel'
P. atriplicifolia

Height: 18 to 36 inches
Spread: 14 to 28 inches
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall

This new variety will flower the first year from seed if sown in early spring. Given the right conditions, the fast-growing seeds will germinate in just a few days. Forms a densely branched, bushy plant that bears an abundance of small blue flowers on strong, silvery stems.

Photo by: Paul S Drobot / Millette Photomedia

'Crazy Blue'
P. atriplicifolia
Height: 16 to 18 inches
Spread: 14 to 16 inches
Bloom Time: June to September

With a neat, rounded form, this sturdy cultivar has interlacing branches that remain upright and won’t splay open in wind or rain, even when laden with masses of violet-blue flowers. The compact habit and full, bushy shape make it ideal for use as a low-growing hedge or container plant.

DESIGN TIPS

Photo by: d murk photographs / Shutterstock.

Garden uses:

• With its open, airy nature, Russian sage is an excellent filler, enhancing whatever it’s planted with and providing cool contrast to boldly colored plants.
• Plant it in mass to amplify the purple pyrotechnics.
• Compact and dwarf varieties, like ‘Little Spire’ and ‘Lacey Blue’, work well as informal hedging plants, for edging pathways, and in containers.
• Use taller plants in the middle or back of the border to add textural contrast and vertical interest.
• Because Russian sage thrives in dry conditions, it’s also a great addition to water-wise gardens.
• Also a suitable substitute for lavender, since they are very similar.

Companion plants:

• Yellow or orange daylilies
• Garden phlox
• Ornamental grasses
• Red or pink bee balms
• Yarrow
• Purple or orange coneflowers
• Black-eyed Susans
• Asters
• Butterfly bush

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Russian sage edible?

Although the leaves may smell like those of culinary garden sage (Salvia officinalis), Russian sage is technically not a sage. The aromatic leaves emit a light herbal scent when crushed, and as noted above, are toxic if consumed. However, they can be dried and used in potpourris.

Is it Russian?

Not really. Despite the common name, it is native to western China, Afghanistan, and Tibet. The Russian connection is to the genus name Perovskia, which honors l9th-century Russian general V.A. Perovsky.