Russian Sage ‘Little Spire’ at Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, PA

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a long-lived easy care summer flowering perennial or sub-shrub. It grows in dry to medium moist, well-drained soil and, first and foremost, in full sun. It holds up to summer’s heat, drought, and humidity (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). The Perennial Plant Association designated Russian Sage as the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995.

Russian sage (species) typically grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide when not pruned. Terminal panicles of light blue tubular flowers are perched on upright square stems. It blooms consistently from early July to October in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7).

The principal appeal of Russian sages are their  cool blue to lavender colored flowers in mid-summer and loose open growth habit. A member of the mint family, they emit a sage-like odor when leaves are crushed. Russian sages add structure and grayish color to a winter landscape. This tough perennial has no disease or pest problems. Deer and rabbits leave them alone and its grayish-green foliage copes with urban air pollutants.

For neatness, prune back plants to 3-6 inches from the ground in early spring as new growth begins. Full size Russian sages, compact cultivars less so, tend to flop or take on a droopy appearance in late summer. Deadheading old flower stalks and some late summer tidy-up pruning spur new growth and re-blooming. Fertilize with 10-10-10 or equivalent once in early spring; or feed in spring and again in early summer with water-soluble fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro™, Jacks™, or Daniels™.

These five compact cultivars make a better fit in a small urban garden:

‘Filigran’ – 3 – 4 feet tall and wide, light blue flowers and lacey silvery foliage on upright branches.
‘Lacey Blue’ – 1 – 1 ½ feet high by 2-3 feet wide, compact British introduction with dense large lavender-blue flower panicles that are thick stemmed for less “flopping”.
‘Little Spire’- 2 – 3 feet high and wide; masses of small, violet-blue flowers and dense silvery-green foliage.
‘Longin’ – 3 – 4 feet high and wide; deep blue flowers on stiff, upright stems.

‘Rocketman’ – new 2 ½ – 4 feet tall with strong stems and upright branching.