Perovskia atriplicifolia

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Photo by: FELDER RUSHING

Plant Common Name

Russian Sage

General Description

Drought tolerant and vigorous, Russian sage is a perennial that is both tough and beautiful. These shrubby plants originate from Afghanistan and are tall, open and airy in appearance. Their fine silver foliage contrasts nicely with the numerous spikes of small, two-lipped, lavender-blue flowers that appear from midsummer to fall. White-flowered cultivars are also available.

Russian Sage thrives in full sun, and average to poor, well drained soil. It is heat and drought tolerant and makes a fine addition to large, mixed borders. It looks particularly nice when planted in masses with other sun and heat-loving perennials like tall sedum, composites and ornamental grasses.

Characteristics

• AHS Heat Zone

  9 - 6

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  4 - 9

• Sunset Zone

  2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

• Plant Type

  Perennial

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun

• Height

  4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m (4)

• Width

  3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m (3)

• Bloom Time

  Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall

• Native To

  Western Asia

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Drainage

  Well Drained

• Soil type

  Loam, Sand

• Tolerances

  Drought, Salt

• Growth Rate

  Fast

• Water Requirements

  Drought Tolerant

• Habit

  Clump-Forming

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  Showy

• Flower Color

  Lavender, Blue Violet

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Gray Green, Silver

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Gray Green, Silver

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Gray Green, Silver

• Fragrant Flowers

  Yes

• Fragrant Fruit

  No

• Fragrant Foliage

  Yes

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  Yes

• Flower Petal Number

  Single

• Repeat Bloomer

  Yes

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  Yes

• Foliage Texture

  Fine

• Foliage Sheen

  Matte

• Evergreen

  No

• Showy Bark

  No

Special Characteristics

• Usage

  Dried Flower / Everlasting, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  No

• Invasive

  No

• Attracts

  Butterflies

• Self-Sowing

  No