Perovskia atriplicifolia
Russian sage
A bushy, woody-based deciduous perennial to 1.2m tall, with upright white stems bearing finely divided grey-green leaves to 5cm long, and long terminal panicles of tiny blue flowers in late summer and early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun, tolerant of dry chalky soil and coastal conditions
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots
Get involved
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