A lavender alternative.
Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage, is a hardy deciduous perennial valued for its fine, grey‑green foliage and clouds of soft blue‑mauve flowers from summer into autumn. It is widely grown as a lavender alternative, particularly in cooler areas where English lavender can struggle, and it performs well in coastal and low‑water gardens.
And although the common name is ‘Russian Sage’ this is a plant that is originally from Afghanistan.
How to Grow Russian Sage – Basic Care
We find this to be a drought tolerant hardy plant once established. It does require a sunny position and a well drained soil.
It grows well in warmer climates and performs best in full sun where flowering will be more prolific and growth generally stronger.
The best time to plant Russian sage is in early spring which gives it time to establish a good root system before the heat of summer.
Position and Soil
Choose a sunny, open position where the plant will receive as much light as possible, as this encourages strong growth and abundant flowering. Russian Sage prefers well‑drained soil, and will do best if the planting area is improved with compost or well‑rotted manure before planting, particularly in heavier soils.
Good drainage is important, especially over winter, so avoid very heavy or waterlogged spots. The plant will tolerate poorer soils once established, provided they are not constantly wet, and it can also cope with coastal conditions in many regions.
Planting and Watering
Plant young Perovskia into prepared soil at the same depth they were in the pot, firming around the roots and watering in well to settle the soil. Water regularly until plants are established, then move to deep, less frequent watering, allowing the soil to dry a little between waterings.
Once settled in, Russian Sage is regarded as reasonably drought tolerant and will only need additional water during extended hot, dry periods. Over‑watering or very rich, wet soil can lead to weak, lanky growth.
- When planting, dig in some well rotted compost and aged manure first.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to help maintain a cool root run.
Fertilising
Perovskia is not a heavy feeder and generally requires only light fertilising. A gentle application of a balanced, slow‑release fertiliser in spring, along with a top‑up of compost or organic mulch, is usually sufficient.
Avoid over‑fertilising, as very rich conditions can encourage soft growth that is more likely to fall open or become leggy.
Pruning and Maintenance
New plants can be lightly tip‑pruned in their first season to help develop a bushier habit and a good framework of stems. Once established, the main pruning is carried out in autumn to winter: cut the plant back hard to around 30–40 cm above the ground, removing spent flowering stems and tidying the clump.
In spring, once new growth appears, a light trim can be used to shape the plant and remove any remaining dead tips. This simple annual pruning keeps Russian Sage compact, encourages fresh shoots from the base and maintains good flowering.
Can you grow Russian Sage in Containers?
Yes as long as the soil is well drained and the position is sunny it v=can make an excellent container plant in courtyard or on a patio.
Landscaping Uses
Russian Sage is ideal in mixed perennial borders where its finely textured foliage and soft blue flowers provide contrast to bolder shrubs and ornamental grasses. It works well planted in drifts or repeated along a border, giving a haze of colour through summer and autumn and acting as an effective foil for other flowering plants. Used as a low informal hedge, plants can be spaced at about 50 cm apart, or at 1 m spacings in wider borders to allow each plant to develop its natural form.
Because it is tolerant of poorer, free‑draining soils and l
Varieties
A number of named forms of Perovskia atriplicifolia are available, differing mainly in height and overall habit.
- ‘Blue Spires’ – A popular taller form reaching around 1–1.5 m, with strongly upright flowering stems and fine grey‑green foliage. This variety produces masses of soft blue flowers through summer and autumn, making it excellent for the back or middle of a border and for informal hedging.
- ‘Little Spires’ – A more compact selection to around 60–90 cm in height, with a neater, slightly tighter habit. It carries similar soft blue flower spikes and fine, aromatic foliage, and is well suited to smaller gardens, the front of borders and container plantings where a lower, airy effect is desired.
Propagation
It is an easy plant to propagate by dividing established clumps in spring as soon as new growth appears.
Companion plants
Echinacea, Helenium, Calamagrostis Karl Foerester, Phlox
Summary
- Plant Type – Perennial
- Flower Colour – Pale blue to mauve.
- Leaf – Mid gray green finely cut and aromatic when crushed.
- Height – 1m to 1.5m
- Spread – 1m
- Growth Rate – Medium to Fast.
- Soil – Humus rich well drained.
- Sun Shade – Best in full sun with a little light afternoon shade in warmer, drier areas.
- Climate – Temperate to Warm
- Water – Will require extra water only during very long dry periods.
- Coastal Suitability – Yes
- Frost Tolerance – Moderate
- Flowering Period – Summer to Autumn.
Where can you buy Russian Sage?
Russian sage is available for sale from the following participating nurseries.
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
www.planterspatch.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au