Perovskia 'Longin'

Longin Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Longin’ is a woody-based herbaceous perennial with aromatic gray-green foliage and upright stems carrying airy lavender-blue flower spikes. It blooms from midsummer into early fall and is valued for its more upright, less floppy habit compared with the straight species. Missouri Botanical Garden notes that ‘Longin’ is more upright than typical Perovskia atriplicifolia and has less dissected foliage. The genus is now often placed under Salvia, and RHS lists it as Salvia ‘Longin’, with Perovskia ‘Longin’ as the trade synonym.

Type: Woody-based herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 24–48 in. wide × 36–48 in. tall
USDA Zones: 4a–8b; some listings extend to Zone 9
Form: Upright, airy, vase-shaped clump
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
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; deer and rabbit resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for sunny borders, xeriscapes, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, dry slopes, mass plantings, and mixed perennial beds. The upright habit makes it useful where standard Russian sage may sprawl. Its silver-gray foliage and lavender-blue flowers pair well with ornamental grasses, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, yarrow, sedum, catmint, salvia, coreopsis, and other sun-loving perennials. Salt Lake City GardenWise notes that ‘Longin’ was introduced by Kurt Bluemel and has a dense, upright mound with a more substantial garden presence.

Care:
Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Avoid rich, wet, or heavy soil, which can cause flopping or 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 plants compact and sturdy.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

36-48"

Width

24-48"

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Mid Summer

Flower color

Lavender

Leaf color

Asparagus

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Average, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Container, Foundation, Mass Planting, Rock Garden

Shape

Upright, Vase Shaped

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes