Overview
Perovskia spp. is a small genus of woody-based, aromatic subshrubs in the mint family native to the dry steppes and rocky slopes of Central Asia and Iran, represented in gardens chiefly by Russian sage, long listed as Perovskia atriplicifolia. Plants form upright, branching clumps 24-60 inches (60-150 cm) tall and 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) wide, with square, gray-white stems and silvery, finely dissected gray-green leaves that release a sage-like scent when bruised. From midsummer into autumn the stems carry airy, branched panicles of small two-lipped lavender-blue flowers that create a haze of color above the foliage. The genus grows in full sun on lean, sharply drained soil and tolerates heat, drought, wind, and alkaline ground once established. The woody base is semi-hardy and the upper stems often die back in cold winters, regrowing from the crown in spring. Recent botanical work has merged Perovskia spp. into the genus Salvia spp., though the Russian sage name remains in wide horticultural use. Plants are short-lived where soils stay wet and can flop in rich ground or shade. The silver foliage and long bloom give a long season of effect in dry borders.
Native Range
Perovskia spp. is native to Central Asia and the Iranian plateau, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the dry mountains of the region. It grows on rocky slopes, steppe, and gravelly ground in continental climates with hot summers and cold winters.Suggested Uses
Perovskia spp. is planted in sunny borders, gravel gardens, dry banks, and mass plantings for its silver foliage and late-season blue haze. It suits hot, dry sites, coastal gardens, and combinations with grasses and other drought-tolerant perennials.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from midsummer into autumn, roughly July through September, over a long period. Open panicles carry many small lavender-blue two-lipped flowers that draw bees and other pollinators. The gray flowering stems hold color even after the petals drop.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
silvery gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Perovskia spp. grows in full sun on lean, sharply drained soil and tolerates heat, drought, wind, salt, and alkaline ground. The genus needs good drainage and is short-lived in wet or heavy soils, where the crown rots. Plants may flop in rich soil or shade and stand more upright in poor, sunny sites. The woody base is semi-hardy, and top growth often dies back in cold winters, so plants are cut back hard in early spring. Few pests or diseases trouble the aromatic foliage. Established plants need little water and no routine feeding.Pruning
Cut stems back to a low woody framework about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) high in early spring as new buds break. Stems cut into old wood below the lowest buds may not regrow. The hard spring cut keeps plants dense and upright through the season.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons