Russian sage is a beautiful, hardy perennial that has become increasingly popular among landscapers due to its stunning appearance, low maintenance requirements, and versatility. In this article, well cover essential information about Russian sage, planting and care tips, and some design ideas to make the most of this fantastic plant in your landscaping projects.
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a deciduous perennial native to Central Asia. Despite its name, its not actually a sage but rather a member of the mint family. It features tall, upright stems with silvery-gray leaves and produces beautiful, lavender-blue flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall.
Russian sage can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making it a striking addition to any landscape. Its a drought-tolerant plant and can adapt to various growing conditions, making it suitable for different environments.
Russian sage prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels. However, it does best in alkaline to neutral soils. Be sure to avoid planting it in heavy, wet soils, as it may develop root rot.
For the best growth and flowering, plant Russian sage in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. It can tolerate some light shade, but the blooms may be less abundant, and the stems may become floppy.
As a drought-tolerant plant, Russian sage requires minimal watering. Once established, youll only need to water it during extended dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so its essential to avoid over-saturating the soil.
Pruning Russian sage is crucial for maintaining its shape and encouraging new growth. In early spring, cut back the stems to about 6 to 12 inches above the ground. This will help promote branching and create a more compact, bushy appearance.
Russian sage typically doesnt require additional fertilization, as it thrives in nutrient-poor soils. However, if youre planting it in an area with very poor soil, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Russian sage is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may occasionally suffer from powdery mildew, leaf spots, or root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. Keep an eye on your plants and treat any issues promptly.
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a popular ornamental plant grown for its lavender-blue flower spikes and attractive silvery foliage. This hardy, drought-tolerant perennial thrives in full sun and dry conditions. With proper companion planting, the beauty and usefulness of Russian sage can be enhanced. Here are the top 15 companion plant pairings.
Overview of Russian Sage
Russian sage is a woody subshrub native to Central Asia. Growing up to 5 feet tall and wide, it features finely dissected, aromatic gray-green leaves and showy purple flower spikes that bloom from mid-summer into fall. Russian sage thrives in average to poor, well-drained soil and requires very little water once established. It can tolerate some drought but prefers occasional deep watering. This plant is deer and rabbit resistant.
Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion planting Russian sage strategically can
- Attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Repel pests
- Provide vertical interest and variety in form or texture
- Extend the blooming season
- Enhance colors through complementary flower hues
- Improve soil health
- Maximize garden space
When choosing companion plants, consider bloom time, height, and preferred site conditions. Combining plants with different heights, shapes, and bloom periods creates dynamism.
The Top 15 Russian Sage Companion Plants
1. Roses
Pairing roses with Russian sage allows you to enjoy spring-blooming roses followed by the later emerging flowers of the sage. Choose compact rose cultivars like ‘Knock Out’ that won’t overwhelm the sage. Roses appreciate the excellent drainage that Russian sage requires.
2. Catmint
Catmint (Nepeta) has a long bloom time, aromatic foliage, and a compact form that complements Russian sage nicely. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions. The purple flowers of catmint appear in early summer just before Russian sage blooms. Try ‘Junior Walker’.
3. Lavender
With their similar silver foliage and purple flower spikes, lavender and Russian sage make perfect partners. English lavenders like ‘Hidcote’ have shorter flowers that contrast nicely with the tall wispy blooms of the sage. Lavenders also enjoy hot, sunny spots with well-drained soil.
4. Salvia
For lots of color from early summer into fall, plant red or purple garden salvias like ‘Evolution’ near your Russian sage. These hardy plants thrive in heat and require well-drained soil Salvias attract hummingbirds while repelling deer
5. Veronica
Speedwell (Veronica) offers striking blue or purple spikes that bloom spring into summer. The variety ‘Royal Candles’ has deep blue flowers on compact 10-inch stems. Pair veronica with Russian sage for months of vivid color in sunny gardens.
6. Sedum
With their succulent leaves and drought tolerance, sedums make excellent companions for Russian sage. Try ‘Autumn Joy’ with its fleshy gray-green foliage and pretty pink blooms. The late summer flowers contrast beautifully with Russian sage.
7. Astor
Astors like alpine aster (Aster alpinus) and Italian aster (Aster amellus) bloom profusely in late summer and fall, extending the season when paired with Russian sage. These compact perennials reach 1 to 2 feet tall and thrive in average to dry soil in full sun.
8. Ornamental Grasses
Airy grasses complement the fine texture of Russian sage nicely. Try little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for its metallic blue foliage that changes to reddish orange in fall. It thrives in dry soil and sun. Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima) is another nice wispy companion.
9. Black-Eyed Susan
The cheerful yellow daisies of black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) shine brightly next to lavender-blue Russian sage. A long-blooming hardy perennial, it enjoys hot sunny spots with average to dry soil. Try goldsturm’ for prolific flowering.
10. Blanket Flower
Blanket flower (Gaillardia) blooms over a long season with daisy-like flowers in shades of red, yellow, or orange. These tough plants thrive in sun and poor soil. Combine Gaillardia varieties like ‘Fanfare’ with Russian sage for vivid contrasting colors.
11. Coreopsis
Tickseed (Coreopsis) produces abundant yellow or gold daisy blooms from early summer into fall. The variety ‘Moonbeam’ has bushy mounds of foliage topped with loads of yellow flowers. Coreopsis enjoys hot, dry conditions perfect for pairing with Russian sage.
12. Yarrow
With its flat-topped clusters of tiny white or pink flowers, yarrow (Achillea) looks beautiful with Russian sage. Fern-like aromatic foliage fills space between the two plants. Yarrow thrives in lean soil and full sun. Plant near sage for strong vertical contrast.
13. Purple Coneflower
Bold purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) hold their own against the airy flowers of Russian sage. These classic perennials are magnets for butterflies and bloom all summer into fall. For bright golden color, try varieties like ‘Sunrise’ or ‘Solar Flare’.
14. Daylily
Reblooming daylily varieties ensure weeks of color next to Russian sage. Look for compact types under 2 feet tall that won’t overwhelm the sage. Early to late-blooming selections like ‘Stella de Oro’ and ‘Frances Fay’ extend the blossom period into fall.
15. Sage
Pairing Russian sage with garden sages results in months of fragrant silvery foliage and purple flowers. Try Salvia officinalis ‘Berggarten’ for its aromatic gray leaves and summer blooms. The two sages have similar growing needs and habits.
With its airy foliage and vivid floral display, Russian sage acts as a focal point in gardens. Companion planting with roses, salvias, lavender, and other sun-loving perennials allows you to create dynamic combinations that attract pollinators. Carefully select plants with complementary heights, textures, and bloom times to design an aesthetically pleasing garden that thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Planting near walkways and seating areas
To make the most of Russian sages delightful fragrance, consider planting it near walkways, patios, or seating areas. This will allow you and your guests to enjoy the plants scent as you move through the garden or relax in your outdoor living space.
Wide selection of Russian sage varieties
Arbor Valley Nursery offers an extensive selection of Russian sage varieties to suit any landscaping style or design. Choose from different sizes, growth habits, and bloom colors to find the perfect match for your project.
Arbor Valley Nursery understands the importance of timely and efficient delivery for landscaping projects. They offer convenient delivery options to ensure your Russian sage and other plant selections arrive safely and in excellent condition, ready to be incorporated into your landscape design.
Planting Sedum, Russian Sage & a Lilac Rose! // Garden Answer
FAQ
What plant pairs well with Russian sage?
To create a cohesive and visually appealing low-water landscape, consider incorporating other drought-tolerant plants alongside your Russian sage. Some excellent choices include lavender, yarrow, salvia, agave, and ornamental grasses.
How to landscape with Russian sage?
- Mass with landscape roses for a carefree combination.
- Plant in drifts along a dry slope to stabilize the soil.
- Use a taller form as a background element or filler in a mixed border.
What should you not plant next to sage?
SAGE: Use as a companion plant with broccoli, cauliflower, rosemary, cabbage, and carrots to deter cabbage moths, beetles, black flea beetles and carrot flies. Do not plant near cucumbers, onions or rue. Sage repels cabbage moths and black flea beetles.
Does Russian sage like full sun or shade?
Russian sage needs full sun to perform its best. Give it a little shade, and plants tend to flop open as stems stretch for sunlight. Choose a location with hot, intense sun, even as hot as the space between sidewalk and street or a strip along a driveway. Russian sage likes sun and heat.