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Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Lacey Blue' (Lacey Blue Russian Sage)
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© Salicyna, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Perennials

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Lacey Blue'

Lacey Blue Russian Sage

Lamiaceae
Garden selection; species native to central Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Width20-28 inches (50-70 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (moderate)Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Lacey Blue' (also marketed as 'Lisslitt') is the most compact Russian sage widely available, growing just 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and 20–28 inches (50–70 cm) wide — roughly half the height of the standard species. The compact stature places this at the front of borders and in containers where taller Russian sage would overwhelm. Lavender-blue tiny tubular flowers in airy panicles on white stems create the characteristic blue haze from July through October. Silver-gray finely dissected aromatic foliage. The very short, stocky stems are the sturdiest of any Russian sage cultivar — flopping is virtually eliminated. The trade-off for the compact size is that the airy, hazy quality that makes Russian sage atmospheric is less pronounced at this smaller scale — the blue haze is more contained than expansive. Lean, well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Cut to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in early spring. Deer avoid the aromatic foliage.

Native Range

The species Perovskia atriplicifolia is native to central Asia. 'Lacey Blue' is a garden selection for extremely compact habit.

Suggested Uses

Used at the front of borders, in small gardens, along walkways, and in containers of 5 gallons (19 liters) or more. The most compact Russian sage for spaces where standard selections are too tall. The blue haze effect at a manageable scale.

How to Identify

Identified by lavender-blue airy flower panicles above silver-gray aromatic foliage on white stems at just 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall — the most compact Russian sage. The very short stature and stocky, non-flopping stems distinguish this from all other Russian sage cultivars.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'8" - 2'4"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

lavender
blue

Foliage Colors

silver
gray

Fall Foliage Colors

silver

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks
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SummerFall
Flowering from July through October, approximately 10+ weeks. Lavender-blue panicles on the most compact Russian sage.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Lavender-blue, tiny tubular, in airy panicles on white stems

Foliage Description

Silver-gray, finely dissected, aromatic

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.5(Alkaline)
357912
Soil Types
sandloam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun. Lean, sharply drained soil. Do not fertilize. Water sparingly. Leave standing through winter. Cut to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late March–April.

Pruning

Cut all stems to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late March–April before new growth.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic