Perennials

Russian Sage atriplicifolia

Russian sage

Russian Sage: 120 cm tall and 120 cm spread, full sun. Blue, lavender flowers in August-October. Zone 4; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 4

Discover the plant

Common nameRussian Sage atriplicifolia
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusRussian Sage
Speciesatriplicifolia
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameRussian sage

For a sunny composition, Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) offers flowers with shades of blue and lavender. Among its distinctive details: aromatic foliage. The foliage features shades of green and silver, which can be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is August-October. The clump reaches approximately 120 cm in height and 120 cm in spread; use these dimensions to place the plant at the back of a flower bed and as a focal point.

Soil choice is essential for Russian Sage: well-drained, rather light; avoid water pockets around the crown. Full sun is the preferred exposure. After planting Russian Sage, water enough to deeply moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during mild spells. A margin corresponding to its 120 cm spread avoids having to move the clump in the first seasons. The indicated hardiness zone is 4, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.

To maintain the interest of Russian Sage after flowering, in spring, wait to see live buds before removing deadwood and reshaping the clump. Russian Sage requires a bright and well-drained location to maintain a strong silhouette. For associations, consider yarrow, upright sedums, and catmint varieties with similar needs. The flowering period (August-October) and the spread of 120 cm will serve as benchmarks for arranging other plants around this one.

Sauge de Russie atriplicifolia — Perovskia atriplicifolia

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 120 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to establish before the severe cold.
Propagation Stem cuttings. Seedlings do not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Russian Sage (atriplicifolia): Spring after the thaw or early fall, allowing the roots time to establish before the severe cold. After planting Russian Sage (atriplicifolia), water enough to deeply moisten the root ball. Once rooted, let the surface dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws. Russian Sage requires a bright, well-drained location to maintain a strong silhouette.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral to alkaline; general botanical group indication

Care level

Regular maintenance

Watering

After planting Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize good drainage, especially during warm spells.

Soil type

Well-draining, rather light; avoid water pockets around the collar

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Low to medium after establishment; priority drainage

Seasonal care

Russian sage atriplicifolia: in spring, wait to see live buds before removing dead wood and reshaping the plant. During its flowering period (August-October), also look out for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the plant.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, noticeably wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult plant’s development.
To try Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (120 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Sauge de Russie atriplicifolia — Perovskia atriplicifolia

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

4 feet (1.22 m)

Width / spread

4 feet (1.22 m)

Flower color

Blue

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Null and void

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Aromatic foliage

Bloom period

August-October
Sauge de Russie atriplicifolia — Perovskia atriplicifolia

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Companion plants to consider for Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): yarrows, upright sedums, catmints. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and comparable moisture; allow sufficient space for each mature clump.

Plants to avoid

Around Atriplex-leaved Russian Sage, above all avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Russian sage (atriplicifolia)?
Provide sun and suitable soil (draining, rather light; avoid waterlogging around the collar). Russian sage requires a bright and well-drained location to maintain a strong silhouette.
What space should be reserved for Atriplex Russian Sage?
Expect a height and width of about 120 cm at maturity. Allow about 120 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use at the back of a border and as a focal point.
When does Russian Sage atriplicifolia bloom?
The period indicated is August-October. The flower palette is blue, lavender. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season, and when the plant was installed.
How to water and care for Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)?
After planting Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during mild spells. In spring, wait until you see live buds before removing dead wood and reshaping the plant.
Can Russian Sage atriplicifolia be grown in pots?
To try Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (120 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than if it were planted in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.