10 named cultivars
‘Blue Spire’Blue Spire Russian Sage
‘Prime Time’Prime Time Russian Sage
‘Denim 'n Lace’Denim 'n Lace Russian Sage
‘CrazyBlue’Crazy Blue Russian Sage
‘Blue Jean Baby’Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage
‘Bluesette’Bluesette Russian Sage
‘Little Spire’Little Spire Russian Sage
‘Sage Advice’Sage Advice Russian Sage
‘Filigran’Russian Sage Filigran
‘Longin’Russian Sage Longin
The Story
Plant Bio
Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage, is a hardy perennial characterized by its silvery foliage and spikes of small, tubular flowers. It is known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils.
Unique for its aromatic, gray-green leaves and long blooming period, especially in late summer. It also has a distinctive, airy habit, making it a popular choice for gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Central Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds lightly into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water sparingly until seedlings establish, about 2 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding, maintaining 18 inches apart.
- Prune back in early spring to encourage bushy growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently to avoid root rot 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
- Apply organic compost annually for nutrient boost
Don't
- Overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Neglecting pruning, leading to leggy plants
- Using heavy, clay soil without amendments
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Russian Sage questions
What zones can Russian Sage grow in?
Russian Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Russian Sage deer resistant?
Yes — Russian Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Russian Sage bloom?
Russian Sage typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Russian Sage need full sun?
Russian Sage does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Russian Sage drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Russian Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Perovskia to compare
Blue Spire Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire'
Prime Time Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Prime Time'
Denim 'n Lace Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Denim 'n Lace'
Crazy Blue Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'CrazyBlue'
Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Jean Baby'
Bluesette Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Bluesette'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Russian Sage with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.