Perovskia Atriplicifolia
Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia is a woody-based herbaceous perennial with aromatic, silvery-gray to gray-green foliage and airy lavender-blue flower spikes held on upright, open stems. It blooms from midsummer into early fall and gives sunny plantings a soft, smoky blue haze. It is especially useful in dry borders, pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and mass plantings. Botanically, it is now often listed as Salvia yangii, though Perovskia atriplicifolia remains the common nursery-trade name. RHS lists Russian sage under Salvia yangii, with Perovskia atriplicifolia as a synonym.
Type: Woody-based herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 24–48 in. wide × 36–48 in. tall
USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Upright, airy, open clump; can become loose or sprawling in rich soil
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Average to lean, sharply well-drained soil; low water once established; drought tolerant
Bloom Time / Length: Midsummer to early fall; often July–September or longer in warm climates
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; deer and rabbit resistant
Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for hot, sunny borders, dry slopes, xeriscapes, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and large sweeps with ornamental grasses. Its silver foliage and lavender-blue flowers pair well with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, yarrow, sedum, catmint, salvia, coreopsis, allium, and prairie-style grasses. NC State Extension notes that Russian sage has tall blue flower spikes, aromatic foliage, and few serious insect or disease problems.
Care:
Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Avoid rich, wet, or heavy soil, which can cause flopping and winter loss. Cut back hard in early spring once new growth begins, usually to about 6–12 inches above the ground. Avoid heavy fertilizer; leaner soil helps keep the plant more compact and sturdy.
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 36-48''
- Width
- 24''-48''
- Hardiness zones
- 4–9
- Sunlight
- Full Sun
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom time
- Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
- Flower color
- Lavender
- Leaf color
- SeaGreen
- Fall color
- Blue Green
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
- Soil
- Average, Well Drained
- Landscape use
- Foundation, Specimen
- Shape
- Clump, loose, Upright
- Fragrant
- Yes
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Salt tolerant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- Yes
Plant photos (1)
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