Russian Sage has airy spires of lavender-blue flowers on branches of silvery-green. This plant has so many good characteristics - we don't understand why it is so under used in the garden.  The foliage is feathery and finely cut providing a very nice element of texture to the landscape. The blooms are a beautiful shade of lavender-blue that appear from midsummer through fall - a time when most gardens are beginning to fade from summers heat.  The plants grow from 3 to 4 feet tall and make an excellent backdrop for many late blooming perennials such as Black Eyed Susan's and Heliopsis. Add to the list that Russian Sage is extremely hardy and will grow in nearly all parts of the US - plus it is drought tolerant!   Perovskia was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995.

Perovskia ( Russian Sage)

Plants should be planted in full sun in a garden soil that has been moderately amended with organic materials.  Soil needs to be well drained - Russian Sage does not like constantly wet feet.  Feed in early spring with a top dressing of composted manure and bone meal.  Liquid feed again in late spring,  just before it gets hot, with fish emulsion or seaweed extract.  Plants are considered very drought tolerant once established - however new plants should be watered until the roots have taken hold.  Do not  over water - allow the soil to dry between waterings.  

Additional Photos:

Perovskia
(pe-rof' skee a)

|   Culture Guide   |
Zone: 3 - 9
Blooms: July -Sep
Height: 36" - 48"
Light: full sun
Soil: average / well drained
Spacing: 16"
Size Shipped: 4.5" pot and bare root plants

Culture Guide Explained