Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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.
Common Russian Sage Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Upright, Mounded
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple, Blue
- Flower Description
- Lavender-blue silver
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Silver
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous, Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Fall Flowering, Fall Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Common Russian Sage
- Botanical Name
- PEROVSKIA ATRIPLICIFOLIA
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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