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Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' (Little Spire Russian Sage)
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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Perennials

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire'

Little Spire Russian Sage

Lamiaceae
Central Asia parentage (compact cultivar; stiffer stems resist flopping)

Learn more

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m)
Width2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m)
Maturity2 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 'Little Spire' is a deciduous, compact, subshrubby perennial reaching 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) and a more upright, stiffer-stemmed habit than the species. This cultivar retains the silvery-white stems, aromatic finely dissected gray-green foliage, and airy lavender-blue panicles of the species in a compact form that resists flopping. The opposite leaves are 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, deeply lobed, sage-scented. Panicles of small tubular lavender-blue flowers appear from July to September. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 4. The compact, upright habit makes this the most garden-manageable form of Russian sage—less likely to flop or require staking than the species.

Native Range

Perovskia atriplicifolia is native to central Asia. 'Little Spire' is a compact cultivar selected for shorter, stiffer stems.

Suggested Uses

Planted in borders, small gardens, or containers at 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9 m) spacing. The most compact Russian sage—suited to smaller spaces where the species is too large or floppy. Same lavender-blue haze in a tighter form. Full sun and lean soil essential. Not suitable for shade, wet soils, or fertile conditions.

How to Identify

Distinguished from the species by the shorter stature (2-3 feet versus 3-5 feet) and the stiffer, more upright stems that resist flopping. Distinguished from 'Filigran' by the less finely cut foliage and the more compact size. Distinguished from 'Longin' by the shorter stature and the more dissected leaves. The most compact Russian sage with upright stems and standard lavender-blue flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue
purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~7 weeks
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Summer
Airy panicles of small tubular lavender-blue flowers, July-September. Same bloom character as the species in a more compact form. Bloom duration is 6-8 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Lavender-blue; small tubular; airy panicles; Jul-Sep

Foliage Description

Gray-green; finely dissected 1-1.5 inches; aromatic sage-scented; silvery-white stems

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 Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)
357912
Soil Types
sandloamchalkrocky
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained, lean soil (pH 6.5-8.0). Hardy to zone 4. Same cultural requirements as the species but less prone to flopping. Full sun and lean soil essential. Cut back to 6-8 inches in early spring.

Pruning

Cut back all stems to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in March-April when new buds are visible. Blooms on new wood. Leave stems for winter structure.

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