Russian Sage
Salvia yangii
Also listed as Perovskia atriplicifolia, Perovskia pamirica
Climate Match for your location
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Russian Sage is a drought-tolerant shrub with airy foliage and delicate lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer through fall. It's excellent for adding height and texture to sunny borders and requires minimal water once established.
Why grow it
Russian Sage distinguishes itself among drought-tolerant perennials through its extended bloom window (mid-summer to frost) and notable height, often reaching 3-4 feet, making it valuable for layering in mixed borders where many summer bloomers fade by late season. Its airy, finely textured foliage provides visual contrast to coarser plants and tolerates poor, well-draining soils that challenge many ornamentals, reducing establishment time and maintenance needs once root systems develop.
Watch out for
This plant prefers lean, fast-draining conditions; overly rich soil or excessive moisture can promote weak, floppy growth and reduce flowering abundance. In humid climates or poorly ventilated sites, monitor for powdery mildew, particularly if overhead watering is used. Stems may require staking in shaded locations or after heavy rain.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Russian Sage is a drought-tolerant shrub with airy foliage and delicate lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer through fall. It's excellent for adding height and texture to sunny borders and requires minimal water once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Russian Sage grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Russian Sage distinguishes itself among drought-tolerant perennials through its extended bloom window (mid-summer to frost) and notable height, often reaching 3-4 feet, making it valuable for layering in mixed borders where many summer bloomers fade by late season. Its airy, finely textured foliage provides visual contrast to coarser plants and tolerates poor, well-draining soils that challenge many ornamentals, reducing establishment time and maintenance needs once root systems develop.
Watch out for
This plant prefers lean, fast-draining conditions; overly rich soil or excessive moisture can promote weak, floppy growth and reduce flowering abundance. In humid climates or poorly ventilated sites, monitor for powdery mildew, particularly if overhead watering is used. Stems may require staking in shaded locations or after heavy rain.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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