Perovskia atriplicifolia
Russian sage
lamiaceaeSpikes of lavender-blue flowers; fine gray
leaves
3–4 ft. high; 3–4 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms July–September
Zones 5–9
pruning In the Midwest, plants
flower for a long time even without
deadheading. In southern gardens,
where the plants may flower earlier,
deadheading may be beneficial to
produce rebloom. Susan Urshal, a
gardener in Texas, likes to cut about
two-thirds of the stems by about
two-thirds after flowering; the pruned
stems send out new shoots that will be
reblooming by autumn.
The straight species of Russian sage
has a tendency to flop or fall over a bit
in most garden situations. Plants can
be pinched or cut back by half when
they are about 12 in. tall to obtain
fuller plants.The silvery stems and seedheads of
Russian sage provide nice winter
interest. Generally plants are cut back
to about 6 in. above the ground
annually in the spring, and new buds
break from these low woody stems.
Some gardeners prefer to cut plants all
the way to the ground, believing that
the plants are fuller if pruned in this
fashion. Some people don’t have a
choice, as plants may be killed
completely to the ground each winter.
Perovskia may be harmed by late
frosts, although plants usually recover
nicely. Trim off damaged foliage if
necessary to improve the appearance
of the plant.
other maintenance
Drought-tolerant, low-maintenance
plants with a long bloom period. Good
for the beginning gardener.
Well-draining soil is critical for
survival, particularly over the winter.
Seldom needs division.
related plantS Perovskia atriplici-
folia ‘Longin’ is more upright and
narrower than the species. Doesn’t
require pinching.Perovskia atriplicifolia