Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as “maximum spacing”: if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Russian sage (Salvia yangii, formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a gorgeous flowering plant that makes a lovely addition to many gardens. With its airy spikes of lavender to blue flowers and elegant silver foliage, it provides great ornamental value over a long bloom season and beyond. This article provides helpful information on growing Russian sage, along with lots of pictures to inspire your own landscape ideas.
An Overview of Russian Sage
Russian sage is a woody subshrub that typically grows 3-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide when not pruned. It’s known for its:
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Feathery, finely dissected silver-green leaves with a lacy appearance. The foliage provides great textural contrast in gardens.
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Spikes of small, tubular bluish-lavender flowers that bloom from summer through fall. Flower color ranges from light lavender to deeper violet-blue
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Silvery stems that are so chalky they almost appear white This gives great winter interest
While Russian sage flowers attract pollinators the aromatic foliage is deer and rabbit resistant. It also needs little water once established making it an excellent xeriscape plant.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is cold hardy to USDA zones 3-9. While technically a subshrub, it is often grown as a herbaceous perennial in zones 3-4 where it may die back to the ground in winter.
Pictures of Russian Sage
Below are photos of Russian sage that highlight its key features and uses in landscapes:
[Russian Sage with Adobe Wall]
Russian sage offers great vertical form and contrast against adobe walls and structures.
[Close up of Russian Sage Foliage and Flowers]
A close view showing the lavender-blue flower spikes and elegant silver foliage of Russian sage.
[Russian Sage as a Hedge]
The vertical form lends itself well to use as a low hedge or border planting.
[Russian Sage in a Perennial Garden]
Russian sage provides long-lasting color and height in perennial garden beds.
[Potted Russian Sage]
This plant also grows nicely in containers for seasonal color on patios and porches.
[Pollinator on Russian Sage]
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
[Russian Sage Foliage Detail]
A detailed macro view showing the fine, lacy foliage that makes Russian sage so ornamental.
[Russian Sage Flower Close Up]
A close perspective of the dense, bottlebrush-like blooms.
[Winter Landscape With Russian Sage]
The silver stems provide excellent winter interest after the flowers fade.
Growing Russian Sage
Here are some key tips for successfully growing Russian sage:
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Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for best growth and flowering. Dappled shade causes weak, leggy growth.
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Choose a site with very well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, wet soils prone to standing water.
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Space plants 2-3 feet apart. They grow fairly rapidly when happy.
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Water regularly after planting, but reduce frequency once established. Too much moisture can lead to root rot.
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Prune plants by 1/3 to 1/2 in late winter or early spring to keep growth compact and encourage bushy blooms.
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Fertilize sparingly, if at all. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
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Propagate by taking basal stem cuttings in spring or by division every 4-6 years.
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In zones 3-4, apply winter mulch after the ground freezes to insulate roots.
Design Uses for Russian Sage
Here are some great ways to use Russian sage in landscapes:
- Featured in perennial or mixed borders
- Mass planted as a low hedge or living screen
- In xeriscape or rock gardens
- Planted in decorative pots on patios or porches
- Along pathways or garden edges for vertical accent
- In pollinator gardens to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
- For textural and color contrast against bold foliage plants
With proper siting and care, Russian sage is relatively pest and disease free. It’s one of those low maintenance perennials that offers abundant, graceful beauty season after season. Add some Russian sage to your own garden and enjoy the many benefits it provides!
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More Information Description Fill your garden with a boatload of purple blooms without sacrificing space, with compact ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). With strong stems and an upright habit, this Russian sage is the perfect accent plant in tough, hot, dry gardens, as it needs little water to maintain its fresh good looks.This semi-woody perennial has richly scented silver foliage (when crushed, it smells like sage!) that emerges in spring. But the real show begins in mid-summer when its soft gray, narrow stems are covered with masses of purple-blue florets that go on for weeks. Enjoy long-lasting color that attracts hummingbirds and resists deer; it’s an excellent plant for gardeners looking for something prolific and low-maintenance. Details
These plants have a sunny disposition, from knockout roses and vibrant coneflowers to gorgeous grasses and fragrant lavender. Discover the list of our favorite sun-loving garden plants.
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Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Area Foot Length
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- Home
- Denim n Lace Russian Sage (Perovskia)
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- Bullet-proof performance in poor soil.
- Continuous bloom from summer-frost.
- Prolific purple-blue blooms paired with fragrant foliage.
- More adaptable to smaller spaces.
- Zones 4-9, sun, 32″ tall x 38″ wide at maturity.
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Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as “maximum spacing”: if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Hand-picked at our greenhouse
Shipped to your door
Arrives as young plant
7 Mind-Blowing Facts About Russian Sage You Won’t Believe! ✅ // Gardening Tips
FAQ
Does Russian sage like full sun or shade?
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Stronger Growth:Full sun encourages robust stem growth and a more upright plant form.
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Abundant Blooms:Russian sage needs ample sunlight to produce a profusion of its distinctive lavender-blue flowers.
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Less Flopping:In partial shade, stems may stretch toward the light, leading to a less compact and more prone-to-flopping plant.
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Drought Tolerance:The plant is naturally drought-tolerant, and full sun helps it thrive in drier conditions.
Should Russian sage be cut back every year?
… white) and feathery, silvery leaves, Russian sage plants can reach a height of 4 feet (with a spread of 3 feet) or greater if you do not prune them annuallyMay 6, 2022
Where is the best place to plant Russian sage?
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Full Sun:Russian sage needs plenty of sun to grow and flower optimally. In Los Angeles, a sunny location will ensure it gets the necessary sunlight.
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Well-Draining Soil:This plant prefers well-draining soil and dislikes soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot.
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Spacing:Space plants about 3 feet apart to allow for their natural growth and prevent overcrowding.
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Drought Tolerance:While drought-tolerant once established, Russian sage benefits from regular watering, especially during its first year, says HGTV.
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Pruning:Pruning in early spring encourages strong new growth and more prolific blooming, according to Gardenista.
What is the difference between sage and Russian sage?
Russian Sage is not a salvia, or true sage, but the grey-green of its foliage, its aromatic qualities and purple flowers are certainly similar to that large genus.
How many Russian Sage stock photos are there?
Browse 682 authentic russian sage stock photos, high-res images, and pictures, or explore additional russian sage garden or russian sage isolated stock images to find the right photo at the right size and resolution for your project. Close-up of Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia. Honey bee on Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia.
Is Russian sage a perennial plant?
Russian sage is a hardy perennial in Zones 4-9 and is a great addition to a garden. It can act as a specimen plant or provide contrast to other plants with its wispy texture and lavender or blue color.
How big does Russian sage grow?
Most varieties reach 2-3 feet tall and wide, though some can be larger. Russian sage has good heat and drought tolerance, making it suitable for waterwise landscapes. This versatile perennial plant is useful as filler in a mixed border and can also be planted as hedging, massed in the landscape, or in containers.
Can you grow Russian sage from seed?
If you are growing a Russian sage plant from seed, start indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. A sunny spot in well-drained soil is all this plant asks for, making it ideal for hot, dry climates. It also tolerates alkaline conditions and is a good choice for seaside gardens.
Where does Russian sage grow?
Russian sage is found in Asia in the mountains of Tibet and Afghanistan. You may see both Latin names listed in nursery catalogs for several years. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender flowers throughout the summer and into fall.
What kind of soil does the Russian sage plant need?
Native to central Asia, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for dry or rocky landscapes. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to your garden, this resilient and picturesque plant might just be the perfect addition.