Perovskia atriplicifolia

RHS Plant Profile
Russian sage

Synonyms

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

A bushy, woody-based deciduous perennial to 1.2m tall, with upright white stems bearing finely divided aromatic, grey-green leaves to 5cm long, and long terminal panicles of tiny blue flowers in late summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Horticultural Group
This genus has changed from Perovskia to Salvia
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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 6, cut back hard in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots