Perovskia 'Longin' (Longin Russian Sage)

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Perovskia, Genus, 'Longin', Cultivar,

Genus
Cultivar

Longin Russian sage

Lamiaceae

Central Asia parentage (Longin Ziegler selection, Switzerland; stiffest upright habit; least-dissected leaves)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Perovskia 'Longin' is a deciduous, subshrubby perennial reaching 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) and a stiffly upright, narrowly columnar habit with silvery-white stems. This cultivar is distinguished by the least-dissected foliage of the commonly grown Russian sages—the leaves are only shallowly lobed to nearly entire, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) long, giving a bolder, coarser texture compared to the finely cut species. The foliage is gray-green to silvery. Airy panicles of small tubular lavender-blue flowers appear July-September. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Hardy to zone 4. The stiffly upright stems and the less-dissected, bolder foliage give this a more architectural character than 'Filigran' or the species. Selected by Longin Ziegler, Switzerland.

Native Range

Perovskia is native to central Asia. 'Longin' was selected by Longin Ziegler, Switzerland, for upright habit and less-dissected foliage.

Suggested Uses

Planted in borders or as a vertical accent at 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9 m) spacing. The stiffest, most upright Russian sage—resists flopping. Bolder leaf texture than other cultivars. Same lavender-blue haze bloom. Full sun and lean soil essential. Not suitable for shade, wet soils, or fertile conditions.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Filigran' by the much less dissected, nearly entire (versus thread-like bipinnatisect) leaves—creating a bolder, coarser texture. Distinguished from the species by the less-dissected leaves and the stiffer, more upright habit. Distinguished from 'Little Spire' by the taller stature (3-4 feet versus 2-3 feet) and the less-dissected foliage. The stiffly upright Russian sage with the boldest, least-dissected leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~7 weeks

Flowers: July–September

Summer

Airy panicles of small tubular lavender-blue flowers, July-September. Same bloom character as the species. Bloom duration is 6-8 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

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

Foliage Description

Gray-green to silvery; shallowly lobed to nearly entire 1.5-2.5 inches; bolder texture; aromatic; silvery-white stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull 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 (Neutral to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

sand loam chalk rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

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. The stiffly upright habit resists flopping. Full sun and lean soil essential. Extremely drought tolerant. Cut back to 6-12 inches in early spring.