Perovsia or Russian Sage

Overview:

Perovskia is a woody sub-shrub with long panicles of lavender-blue flowers that become increasingly brilliant as they open.

Latin Name:

Perovskia

Common Name(s): Russian Sage

Zone:

5-9

Size:

4' tall, 3' wide

Exposure:

Full sun

Bloom Period/Days to Harvest:

July through Fall

Description:

Perovskia grows as a many stemmed clump with flower panicles at the ends of each stem. The foliage is finely cut gray-green leaves that are slightly scented. When fully in bloom it looks like a purple haze.

Cultural Notes:

These are very easy to grow. They tolerate poor soil, a range of pH and drought. P. Atriplicifolia tends to flop to one-side. P. ‘Login’ remain more upright.

Maintenance: Prune back to about 6" in the spring, before new growth starts. In warmer regions, deadheading may result in a second flush of bloom. Otherwise, leave the flowerheads for winter interest.

Design Tips:

This is an airy plant that makes a great specimen. The lavender-blue works especially well with whites and yellows and with gray foliage.

Suggested Varieties:

P. ‘Login’ is a narrower more upright plant than P. atriplicifolia
P. ‘Filagran’ has delicate, especially finely cut leaves