Flowering plantsEasy CarePet Safe
Russian Sage
Salvia yangii (syn. Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage is a shrubby perennial with silver stems, aromatic grey leaves and hazy spires of lavender-blue flowers from mid-summer to fall. It thrives in heat, drought and poor soil.
Botanical FamilyLamiaceae
Native RegionCentral Asia and the Himalayas
Growth RateFast
Mature Size90–120 cm (3–4 ft) tall
Bloom PeriodMid-summer to fall (autumn)
Common NamesPerovskia
Photo: Rationalobserver · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Watering
Low
Very drought tolerant once established.
Soil
Well-drained, poor to average soil; pH 6.0–8.5.
Temperature and humidity
-30–40 °C · Low humidity
Feeding
No feeding needed.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings, division
Cut back to 15–30 cm in early spring as new growth starts. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9.
Not known to be toxic.
Top Cultivation Tips
Rich soil makes it flop.
Pairs well with grasses and coneflowers.
Leave stems for winter interest.
Deer-resistant.
