Common Russian Sage

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Russian Sage was the 1995 Perennial of the Year and has many attributes that make it perfect for just about every garden.This perennial has many of the same features of Lavender, but is far less demanding and able to grow in both lower and higher hardiness zones. Extreme cold and humidity do not phase these fast growers. Russian Sage also grows taller and much more tolerant of hard pruning than Lavender. If you are looking for a very easy perennial and are not able to grow Lavender in your hardiness zone, Russian Sage will not fail you.

Russian Sage is a wonderful attractor for beneficial insects, pollinators and butterflies. The long stems of true blue flowers start blooming early in the summer and last until the first hard frosts of fall. Russian Sage works well in a cottage garden, as a foundation plant or along a driveway or sidewalk. The loose growth pattern looks great paired with the vertical growth of Ornamental grasses. 

Common Russian Sage Care

Russian Sage tolerates a wide range of soil textures and pH. Well drained, moist soil is a must. Russian Sage does not tolerate waterlogged soils, especially in the winter time when their roots are more susceptible to root rots. Full sun or part shade in the early morning or late afternoon will ensure consistent blooming.

Russian Sage grow very quickly during the summer and sometimes need to have a good cut back to keep them from being floppy and in the way of other plants. After the first flush of blooms has ended, it is a good time to cut the plants down by ⅓ to ½ . A set of blooms will cover the plant by August for a late season display. Fertilizing with a well balanced, slow release fertilizer is recommended in the early spring as new growth emerges. Russian Sage tolerates a hard cutting back if there is a large amount of winter damage. 

Common Russian Sage Spacing

Russian Sage is a large perennial that is at home at the back of a border in large groups. The mature height is 3-4 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet. Space this plant at 3 feet on center. The closer spacing will enable plants to help each other stay upright with minimal staking.