Russian sage is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant sub-shrub often grown as a perennial . Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season.
DNA sequencing done in 2004 reclassified this plant in the Salvia genus . Academic resources now list Russian sage as Salvia yangii . This plant is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils . A potted Russian sage offers a good way to enjoy this long-blooming plant in sunny paved courtyards or patios.
Pure species plants (non-named plants) can be propagated from seeds sown at any time of the year. Failure to bloom is usually traced to a lack of sunlight, as these plants grow leggy with sparse blooms. The most common complaint with Russian sage is sprawling, floppy stems . Russian sage has an airy, see-through quality that works best when planted en masse . It’s a good choice wherever you want subtle, long-blooming color.
| Common Name | Russian sage |
| Botanical Name | Salvia yangii (formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia) |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Plant Type | Shrub, perennial |
| Mature Size | 3-5 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic, neutral, alkaline |
| Bloom Time | Summer, fall |
| Flower Color | Blue, purple |
| Hardiness Zones | 3a–9b (USDA) |
| Native Area | Asia |
