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Vital Facts:
Perovskia artriplicifolia, or as it is known by its common name, Russian Sage, is a large graceful drought tolerant perennial 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide with gray green foliage and blue flowers throughout the summer. It releases a strong warm aroma when crushed. From mid-summer into fall, a profuse floral display of tiny blue, sage-like flowers give the impression of spikes of blue mist from a distance.
Growing conditions: It prefers full sun and fast-draining or sandy soil, but it can grow even in clay as long is it does not stand in water. Tolerate of dry soils, Russian Sage seems to thrive on neglect.
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A Few Fun Facts:
This perennial is a native of central
Asia
and
Tibet
, so you know it is hardy and tough. This plant is used medicinally in
Iran
. Brushing against the plant releases its sage-like scent. The leaves can also be used to make smudge sticks.
Suggestions:
Cut back in late winter to keep bushy and full for best bloom next summer. To best set off its silver color, use with contrasting colors including other Sages. It looks great when mass planted as a tall ground cover. Plant in threes, fives & sevens for the best effect. To prevent deer from munching on this fragrant plant in the mint family, make sure to ‘grow it hard’, meaning to let it dry out between waterings. This makes any plant in the mint family (Lavender, Sage, Rosemary) increase the amount of fragrant oil as a defense against the sun and predators, such as deer. For more questions give us a call at
Mountain Sage
, 962-4686.
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