Perovskia (per-OFF-skee-uh) Common Name:  Russian sage Light:  - Full sun to part sun Soil:  Average to rich, sandy, well-drained loam Moisture:  Slightly dry Blooms:  Late summer Zones:  4 - 9 -*-

Perovskia atriplicifolia Perovskia 'Longin'

Perovskia Description and Cultural Information

Perovskia atriplicifolia, Russian sage. 3 - 5'. Russian sage is a shrub-like perennial with woody, branching stems, silvery, aromatic foliage, and intense blue flowers. 'Little Spire' PP#11643 is a short hybrid to 2'. 'Longin' has darker blue flowers. 'Filagran' has has deeply dissected foliage.

How to Grow:  Plant Russian sage in average to rich, sandy to loamy, very well-drained soil in full sun to part sun. They perform well in very hot and dry conditions where other plants may fail. Trim plants back to new growth in the spring, or in warmer climates trim back to about one foot tall to maintain vigorous, compact growth. Plants often self-seed, or you can root stem cuttings in summer to propagate.

Landscape uses:  Russian sage is a very airy, graceful plant that will soften harsh colors and complement pink, yellow, and purple flowers. Use it as a backdrop to yarrows, phlox, balloon flower (Platycodon), blackberry lily (Belamcanda), Liatris, purple-leaved sedums, Japanese anemones, and ornamental grasses and combine it with other heat loving, drought tolerant perennials such as Buddleia (butterfly bush), Sedum, bearded Iris, and Yucca.