russian sage

Growth Potential

Height: 3–5 feet.

Width: 2–4 feet (tends to spread slightly via runners).

Long Bloom Season

A hardy, woody-based perennial known for its silver-gray, finely textured foliage and airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It is incredibly heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, providing a cooling aesthetic to the garden during the hottest months. It is also highly resistant to deer and pests due to its aromatic foliage.

Best Area to Plant

Location:

  • Large open beds, xeriscapes, or as a background plant for shorter perennials.

  • Placement: Works beautifully along driveways or hot sidewalks where reflected heat might kill more sensitive plants. It is also excellent for mass plantings to create a “sea of blue” effect.

  • Great pollinator: Attracts bees and butterflies

Care Instructions

  • Light:

    Must have full sun. It will become "floppy" or leggy if planted in even partial shade.

  • Water:

    Very low water needs once established. It actually prefers dry, lean soil and can suffer in overly rich or soggy ground.

  • Soil:

    Dry, lean soil and can suffer in overly rich or soggy ground, making drainage the single most important factor for success.

  • Pruning:

    Cut back hard in late winter/early spring to about 6–10 inches above the ground to encourage vigorous new growth and a tighter shape