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Perovskia atriplicifolia

Image of Perovskia atriplicifolia

Felder Rushing

Family

Lamiaceae

Botanical Name

Perovskia atriplicifolia

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