Also known as Russian Sage · 1.1k saves
Perovskia
Perovskia, the genus most gardeners know as russian sage. We track 12 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 12 most-saved Perovskia varieties
Species of Perovskia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Perovskia in Sow
Save the Perovskia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Perovskia
Whats common across all Perovskia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them.
The Perovskia year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back hard to 6-8 inches above ground before new growth begins
- PlantMarch, April, September and October58% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil in spring or early fall
- PropagateApril–June42% of varieties
Take softwood cuttings to start new plants
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Provide full sun for optimal blooming
- Use well-draining soil to prevent moisture buildup
Avoid
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater or allow soil to stay soggy ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilizing late in the season
What goes wrong with Perovskia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with water and apply horticultural oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage, speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with miticide |
| Whiteflies | Clouds of tiny white insects fly up when the plant is disturbed. | Generally not a serious threat. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor populations. Spray with insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. |
| Root rot | Wilting despite watering | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Perovskia
Cuttings
- Select healthy, non-flowering stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections with clean scissors.
- Dip in rooting hormone for better success.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep in bright, indirect light and mist regularly.
- Roots form in 6 weeks.
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade.
- Replant divisions immediately at the same depth.
Perovskia questions
How many types of Perovskia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 12 distinct Perovskia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Perovskia grow in?
Across its varieties, Perovskia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Perovskia bloom?
Most Perovskia varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer to fall, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Perovskia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.